Christopher Bochmann´s “Essay XIII for Alto Saxophone Solo”: Proposed Fingerings for Timbre Shifts and Multiphonics

Abstract

Written in 2001, Christopher Bochmann’s Essay XIII for solo Eb alto saxophone requires the performer to choose the alternate fingerings or Timbre Shifts used at several moments of the piece, as well as for the multiple choice multiphonics proposed by the composer. The principles of use and choice of fingerings supported by the work’s feasibility will be examined based on the literature of different authors. This paper intends to present the information necessary for the execution, bearing in mind the technical difficulties, challenges, and results that the employment of these extensive techniques always represents, whilst respecting the composer’s initial idea. The result was submitted and proposed to the composer Christopher Bochmann and was approved for record release.