The Perfect Storm for Two Saxophones and Piano

The Perfect Storm is a four-movement suite depicting the developing stages of a storm’s life cycle. Each movement is meant to capture an independent atmosphere and mood related to the meaning of common storm-related phrases - ‘the calm before the storm’, ‘taken by storm’, ‘the eye of the storm’, and ‘ride out the storm’.

‘The Calm Before’ begins this journey with a serene, blissful ignorance to the impending storm, characterized by lyrical melodies and luscious harmonies. That serenity is abruptly halted with a quick transition to ‘Taken by’, a bombastic movement depicting the most destructive phase of the storm.

As the storm continues, ‘The Eye of’ portrays an eerie and unsettling moment of stasis, continuously building tension with the anticipation of returning thunder and lightning. The suite's conclusion, entitled ‘Ride Out’, is an energetic and spritely finale overcoming the chaos and destruction this storm has created.