Saxflight - Alain Crepin
University of Stellenbosch Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Rik Ghesquière, guest conductor
Rikus Coetsee, saxophone
NATIONAL SAXOPHONE SYMPOSIUM
31 August 2019, Endler Hall, Stellenbosch
Endler Concert Series
This work, comprised of four alternating parts, slow - fast - slow-fast begins with a somewhat eerie, foreboding introduction, after which the soloist plays a similar somber melody.The saxophonist remains in constant dialogue with the accompaniment and the intensity increases as the saxophone “takes flight.” The fermata creates tension that ultimately resolves to the final section marked allegro piu vivo, supported by a repetitive rhythm in the orchestration and a technically demanding solo line for the soloist which moves into the altissimo register. (Programme note by Pamela Kierman)
Rikus Coetsee graduated from Stellenbosch University with BMus cum laude in 2018 and with BMusHons (cum laude) in Saxophone Performance in March 2020.
Rikus is currently a freelance woodwind teacher of saxophone, clarinet and recorder at several schools in Stellenbosch and his students are top achievers in external music examinations and local Eisteddfods.
He is active in the gigging scene in and around Stellenbosch and Cape Town. He is the co-founder and baritone saxophonist of Aureus - a saxophone quartet established in 2019 by four saxophone students of the SUKonserv and is also saxophonist and clarinettist of André & the Swingers, a modern swing band based in Cape Town which includes musicians trained in both classical and jazz genres of music.
As a soloist, he is part of a group of artists affiliated with Prima Productions (@primaproduksies), which is an entertainment coordinating company (mainly in the entertainment and hospitality industries).
Rikus repertoire interests vary from baroque and classical music to modern, experimental and electronic compositions. He is currently working on exciting future projects with local composers and musicians in South Africa.
#inspiringalumni
Recorded by Riaan van Wyk
s m a l l • c o n c e r t s
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