Évocations

French composer and conductor, Henri Tomasi (1901-1971) published Évocations 1969. As with his other wind compositions, Évocations for Solo Saxophone was well-received by audiences.

Tomasi was born in Marseille, but his Father and Mother were originally from La Casinca in Corsica. Despite being pressured in to musical studies by his parents, Tomasi dreamed of becoming a sailor, and during the summer, he stayed with his Grandmother in Corsica where he learnt traditional Corsican songs. However, in 1921, he began his studies at the Paris Conservatoire and went on to become a high profile composer and conductor. Tomasi did not forget his Corsican routes, often incorporating themes of the songs he had learnt during the summers with his Grandmother in to his compositions. Évocations is in four movements; 1) Peruvian, 2) Nigerian, 3) Cambodian. and 4) Scotsman. This Tomasi piece is suitable for advanced saxophonists, providing an exciting, alternative addition to the instrument's repertoire.