Remy Le Boeuf

“Overwhelming beauty” -New York Times

“Radiant, uncluttered beauty” -San Francisco Chronicle

ASSEMBLY OF SHADOWS SUITE (27:19) / Link to Score

I. Introduction (0:00)

II. Assembly of Shadows (1:23)

III. Shapeless Dancer (10:18)

IV. Transfiguration (16:51)

V. A Light Through the Leaves (21:32)

The Assembly of Shadows Suite follows the thematic arc of a Grimm-like fairytale. A brief “Introduction” sets the scene: a forest, in which a young child gets lost.  “Assembly of Shadows” portrays the shadows of the surrounding forest coming to life and gathering. “Shapeless Dancer” evokes an angular, yet fluid dance in which they dance. “Transfiguration” plays the child against her own shadow––with the alto sax and the dark, bubbling baritone representing the inner struggle of the character. We end on a sensitive note with “A Light Through the Leaves,” as the shadows lead the girl back home, where she awakes in her bed and the opening theme is reintroduced to close out the parable with full-circle finality.

STRATA / Remy Le Boeuf’s Assembly of Shadows / Link to Score Strata is nominated for a 2021 Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition. The piece begins with a fanfare followed by stacked melodic layers that form a multi-time signature cannon (notated in 4/4 for readability). It develops to includes vertically-mirrored melodies and improvised solos by the ensemble's trombonist (Eric Miller) and flutist (Anna Webber).

VIGNETTES (selections ) / Remy Le Boeuf / Link to Score

Vignette No. 12 (2:08)

Vignette No. 9 (2:00)

Vignette No. 6 (1:07)

Vignette No. 11 (2:10)

Vignette No. 10 (1:30)

These 12 short pieces were written to be interpreted in a range of styles. They are like etudes in that many focus on particular challenges or skills, such as circular breathing, altissimo, odd time signatures, overtones, speed, flexibility, syncopation, endurance, and dynamic contrast. While written on the alto, the vignettes can be performed on all saxophones.