IDEAS AND COMPOSITIONAL TECHNIQUES IN "TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN" FOR TWO ALTO SAXOPHONES

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Two Sides of the Same Coin is a contemporary composition for two alto saxophones. It follows the creative success of the composer’s previous work, Sadayu, for soprano saxophone—a piece that received international attention through performances at the 18th World Saxophone Congress in Croatia, the Singapore Saxophone Symposium 2018, and the 17th Thailand International Composition Festival 2023. Despite the growing support for Thai composers in academic and professional music circles, compositions for saxophone duet are still relatively few. This composition aims to create a repertoire for saxophone and build upon existing knowledge. Furthermore, the piece was intended for performance on international stages, thereby contributing to the continued global recognition of Thai composers’ work.

Methods: This study is qualitative research in music composition. The process began with a study of Sadayu, which is notable for its use of coloristic changes and applying pentatonic scales. The goal was to surpass the musical and technical complexity of the earlier piece. Two Sides of the Same Coin draws its conceptual foundation from a physical object: a coin. The motion of a spinning coin inspired not only the title but also the sonic ideas of the piece.

Results: The compositional concept of changing tone colors was inspired by observing the blurred alternation of a coin's head and tail as it spins—an effect mimicked in the music using bisbigliando, a technique involving rapid alternation between ordinary and alternative fingerings for the same note. This is further enhanced by using a wide vibrato spanning a quarter of a tone and exaggerated vibrato as well as aggressive tongue fluttering techniques to add intensity to sustained pitch. The use of extended techniques in terms of sound effects adds interest to the composition by using pitches that are ambiguous or unpitched sound and including distorted sounds. These techniques play a secondary role to timbral changes namely slap tongue, air blowing, tongue ram, multiphonics, and key clicks. The melodic development focuses on the subtle and skillful application of pentatonic scales through pitch distribution, the simultaneous presentation of two pentatonic scales, and rapid changes in pitch collections to make the music more interesting and colorful. The composition successfully fulfills its original objectives. It presents complex compositional techniques, integrates extended saxophone techniques as core elements, and has already been featured in international music festivals. The premiere performance occurred at the 18th Thailand International Composition Festival 2024 using two alto saxophones as originally intended. A subsequent performance at the XXI Ciclo Internacional de Música Contemporánea in Spain featured a version for two soprano saxophones, which also conveyed the essential timbral transformations and technical demands of the original with equal effectiveness.

Conclusions: The composition Two Sides of the Same Coin effectively showcases extended techniques and a skillful, sophisticated application of the pentatonic scale. Due to its successful performances on international concert stages, it can be said that the piece is suitable for both alto and soprano saxophones. For future performances, the researcher encourages musicians interested in this work to choose the type of saxophone based on previously performed versions, and they are also welcome to experiment with using tenor or baritone saxophones.