Cycles

Commissioned by nexus new music for ryan taylor

For soprano voice and soprano saxophone

Duration: 3’30”

PROGRAMME NOTE

‘Cycles’ explores the timbral relationships between the voice and the saxophone, playing on the resonance found through blending the two instruments in moments of unison and moments of juxtaposition. Both instruments are activated through breath and yet occupy very different musical spaces. How can we make the voice speak as if made of brass? How can we make the saxophone speak as if not manmade? Where do we draw the line between performer and instrument?

PERFORMANCE HISTORY

Premiered February 12 2026 by Ryan Taylor at BackDock Arts