Pour Saxophone Soprano et Piano / for Solo Saxophone and Piano-André Jolivet’s Chant de Linos for Saxophone and Piano (arrangement: Carmen Lefrançois). Captivated by the magical and religious dimension of music André Jolivet (1905-1971) couldn’t help but have a predilection for the Flute a “deep expression of humankind (…) that charges sounds with what in us is both visceral and cosmic”. Eight years after the famous Incantations for solo Flute in 1936 he wrote the Chant de Linos for Flute and Piano. Its pedagogical purpose – as an examination piece for national Conservatoire students - does not mask itsgravity: in Ancient Greece it was a funeral lamento originally sung in memory of the poet Linos who lost his life to Apollo’s jealousy. In 1945 the composer transformed this piece into a powerfully charming quintet for Flute Violin Viola Cello and Harp. The Editions Leduc are publishing a transcription for Soprano Saxophone and Piano written by Carmen Lefrançois and approved by Christine Jolivet the composer’s daughter. Lefrançois beautifully avoids smothering the delicacy of the music with the Saxophone's dynamics which could prove excessive in this context. The threnody interspersed with ritual dances retains its strange beauty touching the hearts of a new generation of musicians.

Initially composed in 1907 for Bass Voice and Piano Habanera by Maurice Ravel was transcribed for Bb Soprano Saxophone and Piano for this edition. Based on a Cuban Contradanza it features a special habanera rhythm and is generally performed with sung lyrics. In this edition the Saxophone is a substitute for the Voice. While composing this piece Maurice Ravel was also working on two works with Spanish influence: 'The Spanish Rhapsody' and 'The Spanish Hour'. This edition which can be used for recitals and exams will enlighten Saxophone players. Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) is a French composeris really famous for his Impressionist contributions. He wrote numerous pieces including 'Daphnis and Chloé' and the famous 'Bollero'.