Henri Tomasi

Chant Corse

French composer and conductor, Henri Tomasi (1901-1971) published his Corsican Song for alto saxophone and piano in 1932. As with his other wind compositions, Corsican Song was well-received by audiences. Tomasi was born inMarseille, but his father and mother were originally from La Casinca in Corsica. Despite being pressured into musical studies by his parents, Tomasi dreamed of becoming a sailor, and during the summer, he stayed with hisgrandmother in Corsica where he learnt traditional Corsican songs. However, in 1921, he began his studies at the Paris Conservatoire and went on to become a high profile composer and conductor. Tomasi did not forget his Corsicanroutes, often incorporating themes of the songs he had learnt during the summers with his grandmother in to his compositions, as is the case with Corsican Song. This Tomasi work is unusual in composition through its exploitationof tonality, rhythm and structure amongst other aspects. However, this Tomasi piece, suitable for advanced saxophonists, provides an exciting, alternative addition to the repertoire.