Mike Dale – Pixillation (Saxophone Quartet)

Pixillation, composed by Mike Dale, is a melodic piece with many rhythmic and harmonic contrasts. After a short tranquil yet rhythmic introduction the first theme starts in a tango style, maintaining a rhythmic feel throughout. Although the tune at this time is clearly played by the soprano, the alto and tenor saxophones frequently interject with short counter melodies. The piece ends with a scattering of notes from the accompanying instruments with the soprano soaring over the top, before a gentle and quiet finish. Pixillation received its premier at the Didsbury Arts Festival in September 2011, played by the Quagga Saxophone Quartet.

Review: "This 112 bar composition for saxophone quartet is likely to be a welcome addition to any programme. It clearly has characteristics which are original, but is certainly not self-consciously rule-breaking. The quiet introduction, building to the more complicated crescendo three quarters of the way through, before diminishing to a quiet ending, offers a feeling of balance. The piece has a sufficiently familiar and reassuring structure, but has some unexpected and welcome changes, both melodic and harmonic, which should satisfy players of a wide range of ability and taste." – David Barnaby, Baritone Saxophone in the Quagga Saxophone Quartet. February 2011

Biography

Dale, Mike

Mike was born in 1959 and has lived in the North West of England all his life. At school age he began to learn guitar and had clarinet lessons, but it was only at the end of his time at school that he discovered the saxophone. While at college studying piano tuning he later added the flute, and has since studied music with the Open University. After college he played in several rock bands, one of which was played a couple of times on the BBC. Nowadays he plays in saxophone ensembles (quartets and an octet) and also plays a lot of jazz as well as in a big band. Mike began composing at school and has been doing so ever since.