Jean-Marie Londeix to Antoine Tisné – March 28, 1980Jean-Marie Londeix à Antoine Tisné – 28 mars 1980 |
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Jean-Marie LONDEIX How is the composition of the ballet music progressing for our collaboration with the Ensemble International de Saxophones? The date of the performance is still set for April/May 1981. It's vital that we provide the choreographer, Vladimir SKOURATOF, and his dancers with a recording of the work by next November. Will this be possible? You know you can give me the conductor’s score (in C if that suits you) and I will extract and copy out the parts. As well, if it would make your job a bit easier, I could orchestrate it for saxophones ... if you feel that it’s appropriate! This year’s ensemble has reached a quality never before attained. It’s very impressive! I see the potential that can be drawn from this new type of orchestra, and the interest that could arise from the creation of a new wind orchestra built around the saxophone family (just as the symphonic orchestra is built around the string family) - and this with an ensemble of musicians three or four times smaller... Perhaps you know that I have been reelected as President of l’AsSaFra [Ed. Note: The Association of Saxophonists of France]. We hope to provide you with some [Ed. Note: financial] assistance for the piece you’re composing for the Aix-les-Bains competition. As well, will you accept my offer - a personal one this time - of 2,500 francs for the [Ed. Note: ballet] piece for the Ensemble? I know it's not much, but it would give me great pleasure if you would accept. I heard the recording by [Ed. Note: Jean-Yves] FOURMEAU of “Music for Stonehege[sic]” on the radio and he seemed to have adopted the suggestions that I made to you. It was really very good. Bravo! Believe, dear Sir, in my sincere admiration, and in my most respectful and devoted sentiments as well. p.s. The [Ed. Note: Cultural] Minister has just removed the saxophone from the list of required disciplines in music schools controlled by the state — can this be possible?! And it has happened despite the fact that the saxophone has now found a place as a “modern” instrument worthy of interest, and the most serious composers are taking it into consideration! This is a retrogressive measure, prejudicial to the instrument whose promotion we work towards unceasingly. I hope that you might be able to help ensure that this unfortunate new attitude changes as soon as possible. Translation by Jennie Wood and William Street, University of Alberta |
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