Romances for Saxophone was released in 1986 by CBS Masterworks' Light Classics division.
Branford Marsalis, usually known for his jazz background, asserts his mastery of the soprano saxophone on this excellent collection of romantic chamber music. Accompanied by the
English Chamber Orchestra,
Marsalis indulges us with some of his most fervent music yet. Each piece explores a different aspect of love and romance. Vocalese, originally for the soprano voice, portray the vocal lyricism and musicality of
Marsalis' soprano saxophone. The "Rachmaninoff Vocalese" is an exceptional confirmation of the mastery of tone and musicianship that defines the music
Marsalis is known for. Other well-known works, such as
Debussy's L'Isle Joyeuse and
Stravinsky's Pastorale, brilliantly contrast the air that
Marsalis has played since 1981. The French and Russian compositions add a new dimension to the young
Marsalis repertoire -- classical romantic.