Non-Polarization on the Alto Saxophone: Daniel Kientzy's Reforms in Music for the Saxophone Family

Zhaoxiang Jiang; Wisuwat Pruksavanich

doi:10.5216/mh.v25.81517

Authors

Zhaoxiang Jiang Mianyang Teachers’ College, Mianyang, China College of Music, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, jiangzhaoxiang66@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6489-4220
Wisuwat Pruksavanich College of Music, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, georgesaxophone@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6202-1098

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5216/mh.v25.81517

Keywords:

Daniel Kientzy, Saxophone Total, Contemporary saxophone performance, instrumental innovation

Abstract

This research examines Daniel Kientzy's transformative contributions to saxophone music through his innovative integration of the entire saxophone family. Employing qualitative research methods, the study investigates Kientzy's artistic activities from 1968 to the present through three chronologically arranged sections: The first section traces his early musical career, investigating the historical process of how he mastered all seven saxophones. The second section, through case studies of Roy's and de Pablo's works, explores how Kientzy innovatively integrated these seven saxophones into single solo works. The final section, through analysis of Brizzi's and Mabry's works, examines how Kientzy achieved the ultimate form of "The Saxophone Total" concept through recording, editing, and restructuring the sounds of seven saxophones. The findings trace a clear evolutionary trajectory in Kientzy's treatment of the saxophone family members, showing a development from scattered to seamlessly integrated applications. These innovative approaches have not only transcended the traditional limitations of saxophone music in terms of performance techniques, expressive forms, and compositional thinking, but also, in the broader historical context of saxophone, have provided a path to revitalize Adolphe Sax's grand vision of the saxophone family from the 1840s.

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Author Biographies

Zhaoxiang Jiang, Mianyang Teachers’ College, Mianyang, China College of Music, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, jiangzhaoxiang66@gmail.com

ZhaoXiang Jiang (b. January 8, 1993) is an saxophonist and music educator whose academic journey spans three countries: China, France, and Thailand. Initially trained at Central South University of Forestry and Technology in China, JIANG completed his undergraduate studies in Music Performance (Saxophone) under Professor SHI Changjun. He subsequently pursued advanced studies in France at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional Perpignan Méditerranée, where he earned his master's degree under the tutelage of Radek KNOP. During his time in France, JIANG won First Prize in the Professional Category at the 2017 Lempdes International Saxophone Competition. His performances included the "Romantic French Saxophone Quartet Concert" at the Central South University of Forestry and Technology Theater in 2018, and he premiered works by French composers Alexander Vert, Lucie Prod' homme, and Felix Laquement. Since 2021, JIANG has been pursuing his doctoral degree in Saxophone Performance at the College of Music, Mahidol University, Thailand, studying under Shyen Lee and Dr. Wisuwat Pruksavanich.
2023 marked a significant year in his musical career, featuring appearances at several prestigious international events. He was invited to participate in the "International Saxophone Meeting" at The Museo del Saxofono Fiumicino in Rome, Italy (November 2023), the XIX World Saxophone Congress, the III Asian Saxophone Congress, and the Singapore Saxophone Symposium 2023, where he engaged in both performances and academic activities. Professionally, JIANG has served as an Assistant Lecturer at the School of Music and Performing Arts, Mianyang Teachers' College since June 2020, where he teaches both specialized saxophone courses and elective modules.

Wisuwat Pruksavanich, College of Music, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, georgesaxophone@gmail.com

Dr. Wisuwat Pruksavanich is a pioneering Thai saxophonist in contemporary classical music. He gained international acclaim as a soloist during the world premiere of Narong Prangcharoen’s “The Dawn of Darkness” at the Ki Zu Na Concert 2012, held at Sumida Triphony Hall in Tokyo, Japan. His album “Hard Fairy” earned a nomination for Best Instrumental Album, and Dr. Wisuwat himself was nominated for Best New Artist at the 11th Komchadluek Awards. Dr. Wisuwat completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the College of Music, Mahidol University in Thailand under the mentorship of Prof. Shyen Lee. He then earned his Doctorate from The Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Kraków, Poland, studying with Prof. Andrzej Rzymkowski. In 2019, Dr. Wisuwat was invited to instruct at The 2nd Poznan SaxEvent in Poznan, Poland, and the XI Mallorca Saxophone Festival in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. He has also taught in China, Singapore, and Malaysia. Currently, Dr. Wisuwat is a saxophone instructor at Mahidol University’s College of Music. He is an active member of the Asian Saxophone Congress Committee, the Thailand SaxophoneAssociation Committee, and member of the Bun-Leng Project, a saxophone and string quintet ensemble.