Sonata in G minor - Alto Saxophone and Piano

Jean-Marie Leclair (1697-1764) was one of the greatest violinists and composers of the Baroque era. He composed hundreds of sonatas during his long career, most of them belonging to the "Gratieuse" genre which should be played with moderation and refinement throughout. Leclair employed unusually precise tempo markings for his time, and made his intentions clear by such terms as Allegro ma non troppo (but not too much) and un poco Andante. Repeat signs are optional, although they obviously contribute to the total form conceived by the composer.

Much of the pleasure in performing Baroque sonatas lies in the freedom allowed in matters of phrasing, tempo, and especially ornamentation. Leclair wrote the simple trill sign whenever he thought a figure could be ornamented. But he left the ornamentation to the soloist. There is no final judgement regarding the type of ornamentation used. The performer's ear ultimately must decide what sounds in good taste and "right".

Includes piano score and solo Alto Saxophone part.