KENNETH TSE

• Paul Creston: Concerto for Saxophone and Band - I. Energetic

“The concerto for alto saxophone and symphonic winds that lends this four-concerto recording its title was composed by David DeBoor Canfield to enshrine in sound the martyrdoms of Polycarp (a.d. 155), Gaspard de Coligny (1572), and Jim Elliot (1956) respectively. That it succeeds becomes apparent when you realize you're enjoying it apart from any knowledge of Canfield's source material; that Tse succeeds becomes apparent when you realize his saxophone is chiefly responsible for your enjoyment. If you thought jazz sax was something, you ain't heard nothin' yet.”
Arsenio Orteza, World Magazine – August 2012
“[This CD] highlights the artistry of Kenneth Tse, an active and highly respected saxophone virtuoso and teacher on the contemporary scene… Kenneth Tse performs all four works with great sensitivity, agility, and finesse.”
Walter Simmons, Fanfare – November/December 2012
“The performances are well done… Tse is a confident and versatile soloist, boasting an expressive timbre, natural vibrato, colorful phrasing, and breathlessly nimble fingers and articulation. …his overall command of his instrument is effortless. The University of Iowa Symphony Band is a respectable collaborator. . they match Tse’s musicianship with keenly sensitive playing and robust energy.”
Hanudel, American Record Guide – September/October 2012
“[Canfield’s work] is a highly original work, despite the essentially—but not exclusively—traditional compositional language. It is also eclectic, which serves it and its subject well… Extensive use of percussion, and the occasional use of extended techniques such as multiphonics and depictive growls and howls from the brass, add color… Kenneth Tse is an excellent soloist: His burnished tone lovely as always and his technique easily up to the demands placed on it.”
Ronald E. Grames, Fanfare Issue 35:6 - July/August 2012
 
Widely recognized as one of the leading classical saxophonists in the world, KENNETH TSE is one of the instrument’s outstanding proponents on any saxophone aficionado’s short list. He entered the scene in 1996 as the winner of the prestigious New York Artists International Award, which resulted in an acclaimed debut recital at Carnegie Hall. His Alex Award from the National Alliance for Excellence led to another Carnegie Hall performance, followed by numerous other awards. He has been a frequent soloist on five continents, and is often a featured artist at events such as the triennial World Saxophone Congress and North American Saxophone Alliance conferences. He has also been a guest clinician at conferences hosted by the California Band Directors’ Association, Iowa Bandmaster’s Association and the Midwest Clinics, and has been invited to give master classes by prestigious universities and conservatories worldwide, such as the Moscow Conservatory and Paris Conservatory. Tse has been an active, critically acclaimed recording artist since his first CD was released by Crystal Records. There are now a total of six Crystal CDs—presenting a wide variety of
saxophone repertoire, most of it new, some with assisting artists—as well as four other releases
and more in process on the RIAX, Enharmonic, Arizona University Recordings labels. As an advocate for new music, Tse has had more than 20 works dedicated to him by notable composers from the United States, South America, Australia and Europe. His arrangements for the saxophone (published by Reed Music) are widely known and his articles have been featured in several periodicals. Tse founded the biennial Hong Kong International Saxophone Symposium, which in a week-long event connects saxophonists from Asia and Oceania with world-class saxophone performers and teachers from around the globe. Kenneth Tse is currently Professor of Saxophone at the University of Iowa and Vice President of the International Saxophone Committee. [ www.kenneth-tse.com ]

Richard Mark Heidel is Director of Bands at The University of Iowa where he conducts the Symphony Band, guides the graduate band conducting program, and oversees all aspects of the band program. Ensembles under Dr. Heidel’s direction have performed at national, regional and state conferences, including those of the College Band Directors National Association, Music Educators National Conference, Iowa Bandmasters Association, Wisconsin Music Educators Association, Illinois Music Educators Association and National Band Association-Wisconsin Chapter.Dr. Heidel has been distinguished with memberships in numerous honor societies and fraternities, including Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, Kappa Delta Pi, Pi Nu Epsilon and Golden Key. He received the Outstanding Musician award at Texas Tech University in both 1985 and 1986, and the A. A. Harding award at the University of Illinois in 1997. In 2003 and 2010, he received the Citation of Excellence from the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Band Association. In 2005, he was initiated into Sigma Alpha Iota as a National Arts Associate, and in 2008 was elected to membership into the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.
Dr. Heidel has served as guest conductor and clinician in seventeen states and Ontario and Manitoba in Canada. In 2003, Heidel served as an adjudicator for the Limerick International Marching Band Competition and the 100th St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Dublin. His list of publications includes numerous articles in the National Band Association Journal and Teaching Music.

Ray Cramer was a member of the Indiana University School of Music faculty from 1969 through 2005. A native of Illinois, Mr. Cramer has a Bachelor’s degree and Honorary Doctorate from Western Illinois University and an MFA from the University of Iowa. He taught at Indiana University for 36 years, and served as Director of Bands for 24 years. He was also the president of the Midwest Clinic. Cramer is actively involved in clinics and guest conducting engagements nationally and internationally, and has been a regular guest conductor for the Musashino Academia of Music in Tokyo since 1990.

Originally a 13-piece cornet band organized in 1880, the University of Iowa Symphony Band is the premiere wind band at the university. This 60-member ensemble performs two formal concerts on campus each semester and, on occasion, performs at state and national conventions.
  PAUL CRESTON (1906-1985)
CONCERTO OP. 26 for Alto Saxophone and Band (1941)
Arranged for band by Russell Howland (1948)
Energetic
Meditative
Rhythmic

DAVID DEBOOR CANFIELD (b. 1950)
MARTYRS FOR THE FAITH
Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Symphonic Winds (2003)
World Premiere Recording | Composed for Kenneth Tse
Polycarp
Gaspard de Coligny
Jim Elliot

JOHN CHEETHAM (b. 1939)
CONCERTO AGRARIANA for Alto Saxophone and Band (2003)
World Premiere Recording | Composed for Kenneth Tse
Allegro gioviale
Lento e pensieroso
Scherzando
Vigoroso

INGOLF DAHL (1912-1970)
CONCERTO for Alto Saxophone and Wind Orchestra (1949/53)
Revised by Ingolf Dahl (1958/59)
Recitative
Passacaglia
Rondo alla Marcia



MSR Classics