Different roots, same magnificent sound - NOSPR

Although the organ is traditionally associated with sacred music and grand concerts, it can also be a fascinating complement to less typical chamber settings. The untypical combinations in this year’s organ concert series provide unique sounds and new, unexpected combinations. The result? We become more open to new interpretational possibilities and free experimenting. One of such unusual pairings is that of the organ and the saxophone – instruments differing both in their roots and in character. There are the centuries of tradition of organ music and there is the saxophone, which, despite its relatively short history in classical music, has gained significant popularity thanks to its versatility and a broad palette of sound. 

In the Passacaglia moderna improvised composition, Tomasz Orlow and Paweł Gusnar reach for a classical form, into which they introduce contemporary elements. Together, the saxophone and the organ create musical structures referencing the past and simultaneously opening up new sonic spaces. The role of improvisation is crucial here, as it gives the musicians space for creative exploration. 

[Alexandra Kozowicz]

Concert duration: approximately 70 minutes