Jean Paul Gauvin. Representative Of VANDOREN.

Jean Paul Gauvin, in an interview exclusively for Adolphesax.com, tells us about the most utilised reeds and mouthpieces, not only in classic but also in jazz. He also reveals the innovations 2003: two new mouthpieces and a new reed series. If you want to know more...

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Daniel Gauthier. New CD Miniatures.

Daniel Gauthier began his saxophone studies in Canada. Later, he followed advanced courses in France, with Jean-Marie Londeix. Nowadays, he is professor at the Superior Conservatory of Dortmund. He has just made a record: Miniatures.
Why did you decide to record that programme?
As one can see, the programme of the CD Miniatures is of a virtuous character. It is a CD with short works. Generally, pieces that have been forgotten, abandoned and rediscovered by saxophonists. There are, for example, very few records of Savari or Arban. However, we are speaking about forgotten works that are part of the saxophone history. They are the very first works that were written for our instrument in the middle of the 19th century, and I think that it would be a pity to forget the first period of such a short repertoire history.
That’s not the case of Klonos, of course. I completed the CD chronologically with this work that was written in 1993 because of the Adolphe Sax competition. I have several pupils that participate in the competition, so they had to study it. To make them work on it correctly, I studied it myself, and, finally, I even performed it in my concerts. I noticed that it was a piece that worked very well, it is virtuous and it requires a very good technique. It is a work that I like a lot and that had not been recorded.
Have you made other records?
I have already recorded two CDs with a quartet. The first one, when I still was in Montreal, includes works of Glazounov, Desenclos, Lacour... The second one was recorded during my first years in Germany, with the Alliage quartet, which still exists. I have also recorded a CD that includes, among others, the first world record of Légende (A. Caplet), also a work that was rediscovered in the eighties but written in 1905. It is a fantastic work for a very unusual formation: string quintet, bassoon, clarinet, oboe and saxophone.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the organisation of the Third International Adolphe Sax Competition. I think it is remarkable that these people devote themselves to a cause in such a way. The organisers, the volunteers... everything works perfectly.

David Alonso Serena

What do you think about the works of this preliminary round?
Of the two works I have played, I prefer Renewing the Myth. I really like it a lot. I think it is a very interesting dialogue between the piano and the saxophone.

Tell us about living in a family?
My family is really incredible. I feel better there than at home. They live in the mountain. The house is very nice and the view from there too... So, you have the tranquility you need for a competition, because of all the pressure you get, and above all in such a competition where the level is so high. It is much better than going to a hotel and, moreover, I can practise French.

What do you think of the organisation?
The organisation is always the same: excellent. You have the feeling that they will find a solution to any problem that may arise. Everywhere in Spain, in any Music School, there is information about the competition. That shows the seriousness they have.

What do you think of the competition?
The good thing is that, apart from the level and the prestige, it is held in Dinant. If it were held in any other place it would not be so special. You realise that everything here revolves around the saxophone. The citizens live the saxophone.

Scotty Stepp

Steve Temme

Scotty Stepp (SS) and Steve Temme (ST), from the United States (just arrived)
What do you think about the competition in general, about the organisation?
ST: We both were here the last time it happened and this myself I founded extremely well organised, logical.
SS: It was very friendly, very nice. I think the way the competition is set up, I think is done very well.
What do you think about the works?
SS: I would like it if there was maybe a wider range of music to select from. I think that would be better.
What do you think about the level of the competition?
ST: I think there are a lot of people coming here, to get the experience for everyone. But I am surprised there is not like a pre-audition maybe, something before. But then I think it is great for everyone to come.
SS. But I am sure that for the semi-finals and finals there will be a very good level.
Any other comments?
ST. Last time I loved the family that I stayed with. I think everyone had the same feeling towards our hosts.
SS. The host family experience is really fantastic.