Getting high on the world's smallest saxophone!
Getting high on the world's smallest saxophone!
Such is the character and uniqueness of the soprillo, it is never out of the news for long. Read the latest headlines below.
The first CD dedicated to the Soprillo. 'Soprillogy' is over an hour long and includes new music for soprillo with piano, accordion and harp. To purchase a copy or find out more visit: www.saxtetpublications.com
"This would be a landmark recording for any new instrument. An astonishing display of technical bravura, displaying outstanding musicianship and a fearless head for heights. This soprillo saxophone recital album is unlikely ever to be surpassed in its quality".
Richard Ingham - Editor of the Cambridge Companion to the Saxophone, 22.8.08
External link: http://www.saxtetpublications.com/catalogue/viewrecording.ph...
'Eclogue' by Philip Buttall at the Prague Fringe, May 2008, with the National Sax Choir.
External link: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=weSdzgfIm30
The NSC's tour to China was a great sucess and lots of fun. I played 'Eclogue' on my soprillo with the band accompanying me. Getting all the sax players on such a smalll stage was challenging. Check out the review.
External link: http://shanghaijazzscene.com/blog/2007/04/15/review-sax-in-s...
The NSC recently appeared in the March/April 2007 edition of the Saxophone Journal, a specialist bi-monthly American magazine. You can now read the article from the link above or visit the website of the world's no.1 saxophone magazine: http://www.dornpub.com/saxophonejournal.html
External link: http://www.saxchoir.com/files/2007-03-ASJ.pdf
Now Available!
NSC's latest recording 'Sax to the Max! featuring Philip Buttall's soprillo piece 'Waltzing Soprillda'. I'm playing the soprillo in many of the other sax choir pieces too.
You can buy a copy from Saxtet Publications - see link below
External link: http://www.saxtetpublications.com/catalogue/viewrecording.ph...I've added this alternative fingering chart which is intended ONLY AS A GUIDE for soprilloists just getting started.
These are only suggestion that work for me and the exact fingering used will always depend on the musical context.
I would recommend that you experiment and discover your own fingering combinations that work best for you on your instrument.
Nigel
External link: http://www.soprillo.com/soprillo-fingering-chart.pdf
Soprillo solo at St. John's, Smith Square.
18 September 2006
Nigel is taking his soprillo to London this autumn when he takes solo role in Philip Buttall's Eclogue at the prestigious venue of St. John's, Smith Square. It's a beautifully sentimental pastiche of a Victorian ballad with a florid improvisation, ideally suited for the agility of the soprillo set against the mellow backing of the National Saxophone Choir and can be heard on the choir's Sax in the City CD.
Concert details: Alive and Kicking, St. John's, Smith Square, London, Saturday 21st October, 7.30 pm. Tickets £16, £12, £10 (concessions £8) from St. John's Box Office and online.
External link: http://www.sjss.org.uk/
Visist Planet Soprillo where you can find out about other Soprilloists around the world.
You can upload you own profile if you have your own Soprillo.
External link: http://www.soprillo.com/planetsoprillo.phpThis witty and imaginative take on Australia's signature waltz was originally written for Nigel Wood and his soprillo. (It is one of the first pieces to be published for soprillo saxophone).
In it, the agile little piccolo sax (soprillo) revisits 'Matilda' in the styles of Ravel, Schubert, Beethoven, Sousa, swing and more, and she is (of course!) serenaded with didgeridoo fanfares.
The primary part is for Bb sax but an Eb part in also included so you altoists don't get left 'Downunder' .
External link: http://www.saxtetpublications.com/catalogue/viewitem.php?id=...You can now purchase a copy of the CD from the NSC or Saxtet Publications website.
External link: http://www.saxtetpublications.com/catalogue/viewrecording.ph...
The National Saxophone Choir will be appearing at the WSC in Slovenia on 8th July 2006. I'll be getting the chance to play 'Waltzing Soprillda' with the NSC.
They will also be including a new work 'Introduction & Riffs' by Roger May. His score won the NSC compostion competition (see here for more details www.saxchoir.com)
This piece includes a fugal section written for soprillo, sopranino, tenor and tubax!
External link: http://www.worldsax.netEdinburgh Fringe Festival 2005.
Myself with The National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain.
View the Windows Media Video (wmv) video clips from the link.
External link: http://www.soprillo.com/audio.php
The National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain put on 10 concerts in 5 days at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival from 9th-13th August 2005. 'Sax In The City' was voted number 1 in the audience text voting system on the 14th August. Two fantastic final day performances with record attendances left the National Sax Choir's appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe on the ultimate high note!
They launched their debut CD 'Sax in the City' which includes a solo soprillo feature as well as pieces with the soprillo playing as part of choir.
You can now purchase a copy of the CD from the NSC or Saxtet Publications website.
External link: http://www.saxchoir.comRead about the NSC and the soprillo
External link: http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/reviews/t...The new Soprillo.com website has been launched and features information, photos, sound clips and news about the soprillo. Take a look around to learn more!
