Neuro-, for sax quartet

Andy McFarlane

A saxophone quartet in two parts musically exploring the synapses in the brain. Neuro- serves to guide the audience in connecting music and thought. The work tells a story of a man’s thoughts during two times of the day.

In the first movement, “Conscious,” the man awakens, and a thought enters his mind—the first three notes of the piece. The listener can imagine both the actions of this man progressing through his morning routine and the thought traveling from synapse to synapse, causing each part of the brain to react differently to its presence. All the while, sensory data are invading the ever-ready, “expendable” and essential blue-collar nerves as the man interacts with his environment—the sun on his eyelids, the carpet beneath his feet, the Lego hidden in the dark, the aroma of morning coffee.

The second movement, “Mull” describes a midday hiatus from work as the character rests on his comforter and thinks over his morning, scheduling time to mow the lawn before his wife returns, the existence of man, and the result of last Saturday’s college football game all in the span of his 30-minute lunch break. This resting state of the mind is lethargic, but the thoughts keep his mind active, revved and ready to be set in motion as soon as it decides his siesta is through.

Instrumentation - saxophone quartet
Duration - 7’

Upcoming Premiere: Cedarville University Recital Hall, Cedarville, OH 2015