Rescored Conversations

This practice-based artistic research examines how navigating between reconstructive and transformative approaches to arranging influences artistic decision-making from the perspective of a performer. The project explores how artists treat the relationship between form, timbre, rhythm, texture, and ensemble interaction when orchestral music is adapted for a chamber ensemble consisting of two saxophones and piano. Rather than viewing arranging as a purely technical reduction, this research understands it as a reflective artistic practice in which performers actively engage with existing works, incorporating their instrumental expertise and the sound of their ensemble.To explore these ideas, the study compares two examples. An arrangement of Debussy's Rhapsody for Saxophone and Orchestra represents a more reconstructive approach, while a creative engagement with Ernst Thomas' song “Zwui soll deis ollz guat sain?” from Korrnrliadr illustrates a more transformative approach. This comparison shows how these two different arrangement strategies shape musical meaning and interpretation in different ways.Building on these findings, selected passages from Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2 were arranged in two contrasting versions for two saxophones and piano. By comparing these versions, the project investigates how reconstructive and transformative approaches influence artistic choices and collaborative interaction within the ensemble. keywords: Arranging, Chamber music, classical saxophone, trio