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“Ellingtones” (1987)
Work suggested by ... James DePreist
Composer ... David Baker
“David Baker's Ellingtones is
an important jazz-themed work originally commissioned
by the New York Philharmonic for the legendary
Dexter Gordon and his trio.”
The second of four saxophone concerti written by American composer David Baker, between 1985 and 1991, Ellingtones: A Fantasy for Saxophone and Orchestra was first performed on June 4, 1987 by the New York Philharmonic, with legendary saxophonist Dexter Gordon as featured soloist, accompanied by renowned bassist Ron Carter and pianist Tommy Flanagan. Combining the instrumental colors of both jazz and symphonic tradition, and paying tribute to the genius of one of America's most recognized musical figures, Ellingtones has been described by Baker as "an attempt to capture the spirit and feel of Duke Ellington."
As composer, author, and educator, Baker's continuing involvement in the world of American music includes close affiliations with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the American Symphony Orchestra League, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as a long-standing position as Distinguished Professor of Music at Indiana University.
Featuring numerous themes derived from beloved Ellington works such as Caravan, Drop Me Off in Harlem, Minnehaha, All Too Soon, and It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing, Baker incorporates various Ellington melodies throughout the three movements of the work (Moderato, Waltz, Passacaglia), while also placing them as occasional underscore during sections featuring solo saxophone.
Recognized as one of the most gifted jazz saxophonists to incorporate the use of musical quotes in his performances, and known for his uniquely rich and broad tone, the participation of Dexter Gordon in the premiere of Ellingtones was unquestionably both an appropriate and highly effective choice of solo artists. Following his initial involvement in the 1987 world premiere of Ellingtones, Gordon's distinguished, international career would also later involve a 1989 performance of Ellingtones with the Tokyo Philharmonic, marking one of his final public appearances before his death in April 1990.
About David Baker:
(b Indianapolis, 21 Dec 1931). American composer and educator. A multi-instrumentalist, David Baker continues to perform and lecture throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and Japan. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his 1973 composition Levels, he has composed numerous works for both jazz and classical ensembles, and was appointed Conductor and Artistic Director of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in 1994.
About James DePreist:
(b Philadelphia, 21 Nov 1936). American conductor. Widely recognized as one of America's finest conductors, James DePreist has served as Music Director of L'Orchestre Symphonique de Québec, Sweden's Malmö Symphony, L'Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo, and the Oregon Symphony. He is an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, and is currently Laureate Music Director of the Oregon Symphony and Director of Conducting and Orchestral Studies at the Juilliard School.
Contributing writer:
Drew Massey
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