Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano by Paul Creston

[@seanhurlburtmusic3061]

Maybe the best saxophone sound that ever was? Dr. Nabb's tone alone kept me up at night in undergrad.

[@xurxomoralessax]

Listen to bornkamp , he is the father of the saxophonist

[@nickcovert6782]

Yasuto Tanaka he plays a bari sax piece amazingly. It’s the best tone that I’ve ever heard. Please check it out. It was amazing. Look up him playing Czardas

[@r.j.w7924]

I would also include Donald Sinta on this list.

[@k0dak_jackal663]

Someone tell me how to get tone like Dr.Nabb it soooo nice

[@issaccamarena8644]

@@k0dak_jackal663 LOTS OF STEADY *STEADY* OVERTONES

[@ruiqianzhang3314]

I watched this video so many times. His tone is just incredible!

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thank you, Ruiqian!

[@feelshagman822]

Did this piece last year for my All-state NYSSMA and got a 100. I owe a lot to this video for being an exceptional example.

[@吳子翔-t1e]

II 4:55 III 9:40

[@lucasnegrete6877]

as a band kid, thank you

[@sigurdbjrnson1744]

I've been searching for a subtle vibrato model. You sir are it

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Sigurd Bjrnson thank you!

[@Sirvalorsax]

I think this is such a great tempo to do this piece. (mvmt 1) Too many people miss the point by playing to play it too fast. It sounds so much more dramatic and impactful. You lose too much of the harmonic content when it's too fast.

[@jakebickham123]

Weird seeing you here.

[@maxgraysax]

agreed!

[@xaviermarican4557]

I do think the slower than average tempo contributes to a lack of vigour in “with vigour”

[@ulisesmaddux2780]

i know Im randomly asking but does anyone know of a method to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost the password. I love any help you can give me.

[@ulisesmaddux2780]

@Crew Karson Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@sgsmozart]

I played this my senior year in high school (Havre, Montana) in 1967 for adjudication. My band director, a brilliant and sensitive musician, had the saxaphones listen to recordings by Marcel Mule and told us to emulate that sound. Brava to your accompanist for beautiful playing on a very difficult part !

[@toffygaming6907]

I think everyone should have their own personal sound, but of course in a band it's understandable that you want them to sound the same, and Marcel Mule is one of the best saxophonists of all time.

[@kantarjiev]

The Selmer release of the Marcel Mule recording guided many a student Alto player, myself included. To use his sound as a basis for finding your own is a good way to go!

[@joshtuttle749]

I have come back to this recording numerous times over the past few years, and it never ceases to amaze me. The range of colors you achieve make this my go-to recording of this piece (though Sinta’s will always hold a place in the heart of every saxophonist) Bravo, Dr. Nabb!

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Josh Tuttle thanks so much, Josh! That’s very kind!

[@YoungWilliamO]

It has been a while since a classical saxophone sound has knocked me off my feet. Wow man that is amazing! Props to the piano player too! Absolutely stunning.

[@pageboy25]

I tell you what, the second movement piano is just BEAUTIFUL. Absolutely beautiful!! Haven’t heard any other pianist who’s been able to play that second movement like she did!! Give credit where credit is due!!!!

[@XB29SP]

Having played this when I was younger let's me say this is a great performance. Yes, the piano part is a handful, and she played it wonderfully. Sax work was first rate, nice approach on all three movements. I am not a fan of a sax mute...I want to hear that bell ring. Wish I could magically pull that thing out and hear the full tone. Bravo! Oh, kudos to the page turner! Nobody left out here.

[@garrettpeacock4979]

From what I can tell its not a mute so much as it is a tone splitter. Designed to make your low B and B flat not HONK as much. My professor has one for the pip hole on his neck for high notes, and I'd assume it's a similar function here in the bell

[@alexchaviramusic]

@@garrettpeacock4979 This is exactly what it does! It also slightly adjusts the sound and can help minimize spittiness in the reed

[@justinmarks1711]

Bravo!!! This is so wonderfully performed and produced! This is sure to be a definitive reference recording!

[@Sfasusaxophone]

I appreciate that very much, Justin!

[@KevinWeed]

The pianist is fantastic! This is a tremendously difficult piece on the piano.

[@jmconnollyus]

Kevin Weed somebody should make a joke about the piano accompaniment to classical saxophone being the most difficult piano literature.

[@FranciscoCunha2004]

EXACTLY! Nobody ever praises the pianist when this is obviously a piano sonata like for example Rachmaninoff’s cello sonata. I play both the saxophone and the piano, in my opinion at the same level, and I can play this sonata on the saxophone with technical ease and wouldn’t even think of attempting on the piano. I’ll stick to my Chopin ballades and scherzos for now.

[@imauz1127]

is it really harder than the scherzi and ballades?? i’m also a pianist and saxophonist (played all the creston stuff and played chopin’s first ballade) and while this score definitely looks hard i wouldn’t imagine it’s harder than chopin.

So well down. Brought out the heart and romanticism of the piece along with not making it an exercise for flying fingers. Every note counted. Barry Kolman, saxophone professor, and teacher.

[@nathanjasper3197]

I'm playing this for college auditions, so I expect to listen to this numerous times. I already did for learning the beginning!

[@unclepadre8914]

This helped me get District Champion at Solo and Ensemble

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Hey that's awesome! Congrats-glad it helped!

[@NorthbrookHighSchoolBand2024]

wow. one of the best performances of this i have ever heard. Great job both of you!!

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thank you!!

[@eomer7284]

It’s been almost a year since I watched this and I’m still amazed at how beautifully you play and your tone! Major congratulations to you!

[@d.s.r.x8015]

I've never herd such a rich clear tone on a saxophone keep up the work and great work pianist I like how you control your dynamics. Hope the best for both of you in the future:)

[@ashmg2449]

well said.

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thank you very much!

[@Diembee]

One of my favorite solo pieces for saxophone. I played the third movement for my final solo during my junior year and high school; to say I bit off more than I could chew was an understatement, but at the very least I can say this piece was very fun to learn and satisfying to practice.

[@StevenPadilla-l8j]

I’m in the same boat.😭 I just started practicing and these high notes are killing me, any tips?

[@chickensocks691]

@@StevenPadilla-l8j take some brakes after every 15-30 minuets of practicing, for like 5-10 min, just don't kill your lips every practice lol if you do its going to suck practicing.

[@EddieJennings]

My God! What a performance! Beautiful tone! Flawless technique! The most musical expressive and stylistic choices! It's a shame this performance has been on KZbin for over two years with me just now finding it. Creston's "Sonata" is one of my all-time favorite works for the alto saxophone. Being one of my favorite pieces, I'm quite picky in the definition of what constitutes a good performance. Your performance is among the very best. For years, my reference for this piece was Eugene Rousseau's performance on his Saxophone Masterpieces album. Your performance is equal to his in artistry, possibly exceeding it depending on my musical mood. :). Also, bravo to the accompanist. So much of the music within Creston's saxophone works is lost if the piano part isn't played with the same attention to detail and virtuosity as the saxophone part. Again, to both of you, it was my absolute delight and pleasure to find this recording. Thank you for the opportunity to again fall in love with Creston's "Sonata" for alto saxophone and piano.

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Wow, thank you Eddie. You're too kind!

[@julianzazulia1386]

I come back to this video too often lol. Amazing.

[@bradli8010]

I’m looking to take this on as a junior in hs and I can’t stop listening to this

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Do it-it's a wonderful piece! Thanks for checking out the video. Will be posting more soon!

[@bradli8010]

sfasusaxophone I’m really looking forward to it, it’s been a blast playing it although I still can’t get the altissimo G

[@kidding6712]

Same I did this and went to state for solo and ensemble

[@skippruitt2391]

@@bradli8010 You can do it. Practice your scales from the bottom of the horn to the altissimo so you're comfortable. That G will be popping out. Start off practicing the piece slow with a metronome obtain the passages,articulation and Dynamics. Cheers.....

[@danc9946]

I’m a Freshman in High School and I’m about to play this beautiful harmonious piece for a Solo festival next week. I’ve learn so much from it and continue to learn every time I play it. I think Dr. Nabb encompasses all the nuances and sets the right mood when playing the Sonata. Beautiful playing that has inspired me to become a better player.

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thank you, Dan! I'm glad you enjoy the recording! :)

[@inigoplateu4650]

I auditioned and made the marine corps band with this piece. The recruiter was so familiar I was so surprised. But it speaks to the (in)famoury of the piece!!!

[@AkiWithPiano]

As I need to play the piano part of this piece soon, I checked out several, but this is absolutely my BEST favorite! Both saxophone and piano -- so beautiful. Impressed. I already listened so many times.

[@Sfasusaxophone]

I am so glad you enjoyed it-thank you!

[@sergiocamilo9687]

Congratulations Fabian! Well-interpreted sonata and a beautiful sound from your saxophone. The pianist is also to be congratulated. Really enjoyed.

[@yllenlipuma8999]

Brava the pianist 👍👏👏👏👏 and the saxplayer too! Good duo👏

[@joer3481]

I hear Sigurd Rasher.....beautiful tone... excellent performance.

[@adamdoylemusic]

Amazing performance! Such a clean and pure sound.

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thank you!

[@siddharth_swatantran]

Beautiful sound and extremely mature tone. Well done.

[@r020squared6]

This is next year's all state piece. Thanks for the recording.

[@beast6428]

Great performance ! Outstanding sound and tone

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thank you!

[@83gregorycharlene]

Hi everyone, anyone else doing this beautiful piece at the moment during quarentine? I'm going to be trying it out and will add it to my other videos when it's finished. This is by far the loveliest version, and we have alot to learn from you. Thank you for your perfect performance

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thank you, Charlene!

[@nicolekimmy7146]

I’ve watched this over and over and every time I am still amazed at the great tone and accuracy. I am currently learning this for my 8th grade solo contest (only 1st and 2nd movement) and this video has helped me and still is. 🔥👏👍

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thank you!

[@lisbug19ciurleo49]

TONE ON POINT! Love his sound

[@aaronwelch5391]

This really is an incredible recording of this piece. The saxophonist's tone is amazing (albeit using a mute but that was probably a choice made because of the empty hall they were using) and wow, the pianist nailed it! I think some one already said this, but this performance should be referenced by anyone learning this piece not only for the sax but for the piano accompaniment. Thanks for sharing! You'd get a standing O' from me if I were there!

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thanks so much, Aaron!

[@aaronwelch5391]

@@Sfasusaxophone Cheers! And thanks again for sharing this performance. I decided to start reworking this piece (and my sax chops) after a good 15 years off. This recording inspired me, and tbh, it's almost refreshing to feel like a beginner again haha

[@Sfasusaxophone]

@@aaronwelch5391 That's great! Good luck with it-very fun piece!

[@dylanwiltse1880]

I’m playing this song for solo and ensemble and I use this recording over any other one every time you truly are amazing

[@jamesgutierrez5587]

My Goal In Life is to play this infront of many people. So beautifully just like this.

[@Normanreigns46]

Can’t stop lisening. Every single note is so beautiful and equally breath-taking!!!

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thank you so much!

[@davidm.wilmington5325]

Thank you for posting such a great performance. Your facility with and excellent interpretation of all three movements - the more reasonable tempo in Mvmt 1, the melancholy drama of 2, and musicality with technical fireworks in 3 - show that you've lived with and appreciated this piece for a long time. I particularly love the warmth of tone and vibrato in the lower register from 8:10 on in Mvmt 2 and the light touch of the Mvmt 2 recap at 11:10-11:45 of Mvmt 3.

[@MsLV64]

Fabulous pianist!

[@khalidgriffith5969]

Bravo!!! Loved this performance! Excellent synergy between soloist and accompanist. Wow!

[@ericratliff217]

I’m playing this as a sophomore in high school and I literally love this piece.

[@ericratliff217]

@Keanan nice man. How have you been liking it? After I finished the first movement I moved on to the second and third which are just as fun.

[@hannahherrmann4921]

i’m a sophomore too, and once i get a piece i’ve been working on for a couple weeks up to performance standard, i want to learn this. it seems so fun!

[@shawnhernandez9918]

I'm so excited to play this

[@bambino100011]

That was awesome!!! Great intonation and I like your tempo very much on this piece.

[@ルイ助]

すべてが温かくてぽかぽかです。伴奏の方の心配りもすてきです。

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

As a "Generic Fake Jazz" amateur artist, I always endeavor to improve mainly my intonation and sound. No more searching for me; I have just discovered my "mentor" after listening to this excellent performance. Thanks, Dr. Lohvissimo!

[@d.sch.1119]

Absolutely amazing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 One of my favorite pieces EVER ❤️❤️❤️ love that one so much and even more how YOU play it 👌🏻😍

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Do Lu that’s very kind-thank you!!

[@rubenleavell]

Pretty solid, great tone!

[@julianzazulia1386]

I aspire to sound like this

[@laurakilmer8652]

damn good. I played this sonata in college. It is tuff to play as well as you did. Great

[@haleyborjas9527]

9:39 for the honors band folks

[@rloomis3]

Top-notch performance. A special _brava_ to the pianist, who tackles a notorious knuckle-buster with aplomb. I notice you have one of those counterweight things on the bell brace. What advantages do you find it provides?

[@Sfasusaxophone]

I have since removed the weight. Though I did not notice a huge difference in sound, it did change the balance of the weight in my hands.

[@stitch4772]

Your tone is so warm! I am working this up for an audition and I wish I had this kind of tone quality. My tone is more edgy not quite sure what I am doing wrong.

[@d2jay697]

The best way to improve tone is to improve your embouchure by practicing long tones. I would also recommend looking into getting a good mouthpiece like a selmer c*, soloist, or concept

[@eliwyatt2292]

d2jay he’s playing a D’Addario Reserve mouthpiece and reed in this video, their incredible!

[@hannahherrmann4921]

@@eliwyatt2292 they are! obviously your playing habits are what shape your tone the most, but those reeds have such a sweet sound. i love them!

[@richardjchandler]

Nathan Nabb and Hyun Ji Oh play Paul Creston's Sonata for Saxophone and Piano with superb musicality. I also liked their tempos. To my ears, they allow the musical interplay to be best appreciated.

[@NatRivet327]

This is such an interesting piece! I am playing the first movement for an audition

[@Da_padilla]

I am currently working on this piece as a undergraduate, and for me it seems quite challenging. Luckily I have an amazing performance to latch onto

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thanks so much!

[@sebastiancolon7745]

They got me playng this 1st movement at solo and ensemble

[@joemomma1200]

Whoever disliked the video is out of their mind

[@rubengreenberg2253]

"out of their minds" or maybe jealous.

[@bambino100011]

Jesse Ceballos the 18 dislike are people who don’t know what a great saxophonist sounds like. :). This guy kills it!

[@mason11198]

Could be they didn't like the piece. Not everything is a jab to the player

[@ishtar2848]

@@bambino100011 don't know how a very good pianist sounds like!

[@joer3481]

Great circular breathing technique.

[@sergiocamilo9687]

¡Felicidades Fabian! Sonata bien interpretada y un hermoso sonido de tu saxofón. El pianista también debe ser felicitado. Me gustó mucho.

[@elmaestro91]

¿Quién es Fabián?

[@lounaszr]

bonjour, j' ai 16 ans, je présente ce morceau pour l' examen de fin de cycle 3....j' adore

[@bill3837]

i love his sound.

[@hannahherrmann4921]

i think this is officially a reference recording now! so many people have already said this, and i’m sure i’m not the last.

[@parkerteague8409]

how do you maintain such good tone throughout the whole thing and also add in the vibrato? been playing alto/tenor sax for maybe 6 years now and I’ve hardened out understanding notes and rhythms but have only recently ventured into the sector of refining tone and fine details like vibrato, how do I go about practicing this?

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Hi Parker, Well, the best way todo this is by playing long tones, paying attention to resonance and tone production throughout the full range of the instrument. While doing these exercises, be sure to use a tuning drone and tuner. Additionally, add vibrato and focus on tone quality and control while doing it. If it helps, at first practice the vibrato while also using metronome and work on even subdivisions. Gradually, once you have the knack, remove the use of the metronome and focus on consistent speed and depth. Once you have that, experiment with differing speeds and depths for different musical aesthetics and greater expressive potential. I hope this helps!

[@parkerteague8409]

@@Sfasusaxophone you almost make it sound easy haha. and I've had some confusion with the method of vibrato, is that done by altering the tone with your lip and all that, or just by breathing patterns like if I were singing? Thanks for the help

[@Sfasusaxophone]

@@parkerteague8409 Vibrato on saxophone is done with the jaw. Think "vavava" or "mamama" for the correct movement.

[@tkeune]

@@Sfasusaxophone vibrato can also be done with tongue movement

[@thesaxguru]

Masterful!!!

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thanks so much, Ben!

[@owensullivan8856]

does the first movement go up to an altissimo G?

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Owen Sullivan yep, on the last page.

[@ЛеонРусаков]

Splendid!

[@きゃわちみぃん]

beautiful sound！！！

[@elmaestro91]

Thank you for recording and sharing this. I played the first and second movements in high school. And I bought the full score and have been working through the accompaniment of mvt. 1. Hyun Ji Oh should be commended for a job well done. I have a general sax question. I can barely play now because the vibration bothers my teeth so much. Have you encountered this problem with students? The mouthpiece cushions mitigate this somewhat, but even the thought of that discomfort keeps me away. Also, I'm surprised you are not using a Rovner ligature since they seem to be ubiquitous. Thanks again, for posting! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Hmmm, you could maybe try doubling the mouthpiece cushion. I have not encountered this problem with students, but perhaps you could speak with your dentist about this sensitivity? He or she may have some suggestions for you-good luck!

[@coreyygutierrez]

Great tone and I love how every note is super dramatic yet sounds amazing. May I ask what your set up it?

[@hannahherrmann4921]

i’m not sure exactly what he plays on, but i know he’s partnered with selmer and d’addario. you might be able to find more on those websites.

[@Spyking832]

I loved your expression and flow in this. Your tone is very admirable, to say the least. And the accompanist was also amazing. In the first movement, there's an awkward set of four eighth notes that goes from Eb to F to F# to Eb. Do you have any suggestions for practicing it besides just playing it slowly? I occassionally hear a blip in my sound and I want to eliminate it.

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Hi Jonah, thanks! That "blip" you mention is likely in the transition from F to F#. Because you cannot use the Chromatic F# in this passage due to the Eb, I would isolate that F to F# and make sure it is clean every time, and that you're using proper hand position. This should do the trick!

[@Spyking832]

@@Sfasusaxophone Thank you for answering my question! I'll work on it.

[@HaileyMedina-og7zy]

Where can I find the music for this peice??? Its sounds sooo beautiful and I really want to learn it!!!

[@ToxicSnipezzzzz]

What differences have you noticed between the D’Addario Reserve Mouthpiece and the Selmer s90 ? And which do you prefer to use in solo settings if you don’t mind me asking?

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Well, in full disclosure, I helped develop the D'Addario mouthpiece, so I am very partial to it! I use the D155 with a 3, and I find it to be very flexible, but also with a full, warm core sound.

[@davidestrada9748]

Bravo! You brought back some great memories from my undergrad. Are you playing a Yamaha or Selmer- couldn't make it out from the camera angle.

[@Sfasusaxophone]

David Estrada thanks! I play a Selmer Serie III GP.

[@TeeBeeMH]

Incredible piece, so well played! What’s your mute ? Brand, model thanks

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Though it's different here, I use a bell ring from Will Peak. peakperformancewoodwinds.com

[@haichunx3381]

50/5000 Bravo I really like your version. This is the music for my final exam. What do you put in the mouth of the saxophone? to make the sound more accurate?

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Haichun X It is a bell mute. To lower the pitch on the low Bb.

[@johnvogel3722]

My old professor used something like a wood shower curtain ring or curtain ring wrapped in velvet tape. It will probably mute a little more than this and darken the tone a tad more. I think it was something Larry Teal passed on to him.

[@arweenietortellini6134]

He’s using the palm keys for the high F and F# bits.... I haven’t thought to use those for the piece! Props to him, it’s probably more difficult to use them

[@bugatti103]

Excellent bravo both :)

[@dustins382]

Wonderful performance of the Creston piano sonata with sax accompianment! (It's joke because the piano part is very difficult as well as the sax part) I'm a sax player and I've played this piece but I appreciate the pianist that spent equal time as me to get this piece down even though she was 15 years my senior in musical experience. This is such a hard piece for pianists and they deserve the recognition.

[@kaitlynirwin1573]

Saving this time stamp 0:12

[@oneforall6338]

Heyyy, this was amazing! What mouthpiece did you have here?

[@Sfasusaxophone]

Thank you! I use the D'Addario reserve 155

[@andrew_sus4]

@@Sfasusaxophone What reeds do u use?

[@mason5069]

@@andrew_sus4 he uses the daddario size 3 reeds

[@zoenicole826]

I envy you😂 I'm playing this solo as a freshman in highschool. Ya know the other compliment I got the other day? One of my band directors told me I sounded like you and I died laughing wishing that was true😂👏 You sound amazing though. Love it

[@romehatsushiba1029]

What an amazing performance, what's that circular thing in his bell?

[@corniferjr3300]

It's used to play more in tune

[@garethmedith8287]

A Grand Piano Sonata with Alto Saxophone Accompaniment

[@aiko_1124]

Your tone is unbelievable☺ what reed do you use?

[@Sfasusaxophone]

I use D'Addario reserve reeds

[@aiko_1124]

@@Sfasusaxophone Oh ok thank you so much!!

[@cloudenix3901]

If I may ask what reserve reed size do you play on Mr.Nabb?

[@Sfasusaxophone]

1k Subs Without Videos I play on D'Addario 3s with the D155 mouthpiece.

[@lukemccartney8191]

What is your set up?( saxophone, mouthpiece, ect)

[@Sfasusaxophone]

I use a Selmer Serie III gold plate, D'Addario Reserve 155 mouthpiece, and D'Addario Reserve 3 reed with an Ishimori ligature.

[@あやぇ]

めっちゃいい音…

[@ZiqkianChen]

personal use! 5:38 - when he starts playing mvt II 8:07 - after 3 measures of rest mvt II 9:40 - mvt III 10:14- page 2 of mvt III 10:53 - after 4 measures of rest in measure 90 11:48 - after 3 measures of rest at measure 160 12:57 - measure 250

[@lucasnegrete6877]

amazing work! 8:10

[@jljslu88]

What is the neck strap he's using? I've never seen that one before.

[@Sfasusaxophone]

jljslu88 it’s an AirMusic neckstrap.

[@dominicportugal455]

At 0:39 does he use the palm F or the teardrop F key?

[@Jordan-ll5eq]

It looks like he’s using palm F to me

[@WeiMusicProductions]

which Ishimori do you use for your new mouthpiece? the selmer, meyer, or aclaude klakey one?

[@Sfasusaxophone]

I use the solid silver Ishi designed for a Selmer mouthpiece.

[@gary8677]

Holy crap this guys is good! So it’s the piano! But, I’m gonna play this for honors band. And woahhh I’m only in 8th grade and I have to this... absolutely gonna die hahahaha

[@koky9705]

Hi! I know this is pretty late but I wondered what your setup was for this performance.

[@brandonshenmusic]

Inspiring!

[@Jay-el9iz]

Great performance. The pianist is outstanding. I was expecting more emotional nuances and dynamics from the saxophone in the 2nd movement.

[@pageboy25]

Imagine studying under this guy😭