Henri Tomasi: Chant Corse: Alto Saxophone: Instrumental Work

French composer and conductor Henri Tomasi (1901-1971) published his Corsican Song for Alto Saxophone and Piano in 1932. As with his other wind compositions  Chant Corse was well-received by audiences. Tomasi was born in Marseille but his Father and Mother were originally from La Casinca in Corsica. Despite being pressured into musical studies by his parents Tomasi dreamed of becoming a sailor and during the summer he stayed with his Grandmother in Corsica where he learnt traditional Corsican songs. However in 1921 he began his studies at the Paris Conservatoire and went on to become ahigh profile composer and conductor. Tomasi did not forget his Corsican routes often incorporating themes of the songs he had learnt during the summers with his Grandmother in to his compositions as is the case with Chant Corse. This Tomasi work is unusual in composition through its exploitation of tonality rhythm and structure amongst other aspects. However this Tomasi piece suitable for advanced saxophonists provides an exciting alternative addition to the repertoire.