A Handle on Handel

At first glance, this picture may look like a bunch of random black dots all over the page. However, if you take a closer look, you will see that this picture is a masterpiece. This is the musical selection I am using to audition for county and district band this year. It is a sonata for the E flat (Eb) saxophone. This sonata was composed by George W. Handel. The interesting thing about this piece is that it wasn’t originally intended for Eb saxophone. During Handel’s time, the saxophone as not a widely popular instrument. He composed this sonata with the intention of having cellos play it. I absolutely love this piece of music. It is in the key of F major which in my opinion, is the second most beautiful key. The key of F major comes in second, only to its relative minor key of D. This musical selection is fun for me to play because it is challenging to play the notes and phrases in a melodic context. I practice this audition on my alto saxophone every other day for 1 ½ hours. By playing this musical masterpiece, I believe I can rank first in the county this year on alto saxophone. If you haven’t heard this piece, please listen to it. Getting a handle on Handel can change your perspective of music forever.