L'Homme Arme, Part I

This is the first of three compositions that are based on the nearly 550 year old melody entitled L'homme arme (The Armed Man). This collection incorporates compositional techniques from renaissance composers with a contemporary jazz approach. Each part functions as an independent composition and unfolds in different time feels and styles. Part I begins as a duet for soprano saxophone and piano playing the main theme. They are shortly joined by the drummer using his hands across the drum set in a bolero style. Subsequent themes follow and traverse through several time feels and signatures. The main themes for this movement are first heard in the slower bolero time feel and are recaptured in various rhythmic settings at a quicker tempo. Solo sections included are for soprano saxophone and trombone. Doubles: alto 1 - soprano, alto 2 - flute, tenor 1 - clarinet, baritone saxophone - bass clarinet, trumpets 1-4 - flugel horn.