Twelve Saxophone Trios (For 3 Altos or 2 Altos and 1 Tenor): Saxophone Book

A curated walk through Western music history, where each era feels authentic without demanding virtuosity. The pieces range from the courtly air of Purcell's Rigadoon to the gentle intimacy of Schumann's Doll's Slumber Song, creating natural variety across a rehearsal or performance.

Alto saxophone trios and ensembles with mixed alto/tenor configurations who want substantial material beyond standard method books. This works equally well for high school groups developing chamber skills and adult players seeking accessible yet legitimate repertoire.

• Balance the parts as equal voices rather than treating one saxophone as a soloist. Since these are trio arrangements without accompaniment, each player shapes the overall sound.
• Use the era shifts within the collection as rehearsal benchmarks. The Baroque pieces benefit from clearer articulation and phrase shape; the Romantic selections need more legit tone and expression.
• Approach the two original compositions by Gee (Meditation and Recreation) last, after you've settled into the ensemble sound together. These will showcase what your trio can do.

Build a chamber recital around these trios by grouping them chronologically or thematically, using the opening folk melodies to establish an approachable tone before moving into the Classical and Romantic selections. They also serve as excellent sightreading and ensemble cohesion material during regular rehearsals without monopolizing detailed preparation time.

• Balancing three independent lines without harmonic support
• Baroque articulation and phrasing conventions
• Sustaining longer legit phrases in Romantic-era arrangements
• Intonation across homogeneous and mixed saxophone combinations
• Reading and interpreting early music in contemporary saxophone contexts