crezco

for alto saxophone with piano accompaniment | 7'40"

“crezco” is an ode to finding healing in culture. “crezco” pulls from a specific memory in my youth, shortly after the passing of mi abuela. It was it was my grandfather’s first birthday without her, so we decided to hire a mariachi singer to sing to him a few songs. I drew from the saxophone’s voice-like qualities and traditional Mexican dances to recreate that night and find healing within song.

The first movement begins with a free-flowing, solemn saxophone solo that features connected leaps and voice-like falls. As the piece progresses, the harmonies and dynamics grow in strength. This section plays with harmonic contrast and syncopated rhythms to celebrate life, no matter how hard it is or what struggles appear. Following, the main melody returns but with the notation “improvisación opcional.” It’s common in mariachi music for the singers to ad lib., and that notation encourages the saxophonist to do the same.

The second movement is full of energy and pride. The dancing rhythms drive this entire movement, along with technical passages from both instruments.

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Premiered by Will Meckley (alto saxophone) and Benson Chen (piano)