Composed for the 2021 ISA Young Artist Competitions

Groovetudes by Jonathan Russell

“These “groove etudes” (or “Groovetudes”) were designed to help classical saxophonists explore and experience the concept of “groove” in a variety of different musical settings, while also offering a range of virtuosic challenges. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “groove” in the musical context as “a pronounced, enjoyable rhythm.” Indeed, a groove involves a repeating rhythmic pattern, typically with syncopation, and with a distinctive character that has some sort of infectious quality to it. It is distinctive, memorable, and it just feels good; once you’re really in that groove, you don’t want to leave it. And, if it’s a really good groove, when it’s over you’ll be thinking about it and longing to be back in it again. The key thing for classical players to understand about groove is that, while rhythmic precision is important, groove also involves a rhythmic feel that can’t be fully notated. A groove must be felt in the body and in the soul, not just understood by the head and executed by the fingers. The five Groovetudes present grooves with several different types of feel, both in terms of rhythmic / metrical structure and emotional qualities. It also presents a range of technical challenges, from fast runs to wide registral leaps to rapidly articulated passage. The key to a successful performance is to fully inhabit and feel the groove when you are playing it, and then to continue feeling it, even when you are taking off on virtuosic flights of fancy.”

-Jonathan Russell

 

Notes from the composer:

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Groovetude 1:

The groove in this one has a dark, weighty quality to it. It also covers a comprehensive range of virtuosic techniques, from fast scales and arpeggios to huge registral leaps. The key to this one is to continue to feel and embody the groove in the midst of all the challenging leaps and runs.

 

Groovetude 2:

This groove starts out more light and playful, but goes through some sudden emotional and rhythmic shifts. This one isn’t terribly technically challenging, but requires rapid and convincing shifts between the different rhythmic and emotional feels.

 

Groovetude 3:

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This groove is playful and a bit cheeky. The key is to keep it light and playful, while also rhythmically precise. The B section, where it shifts to minor, gets more driving and aggressive and presents some significant technical challenges that must be mastered, while never losing the groove!

 

Groovetude 4:

I think of this one as the “ballad” of the set, more flowing and lyrical than the others. This 15/8 groove should have a nice, gentle lilt and swing to it. The biggest challenge in this one is to make the more virtuosic parts feel floating and improvisatory, while still staying connected to the underlying groove.

 

Groovetude 5:

This one draws on Eastern European and Balkan folk music, with an uneven 11/8 groove (grouped as 2+2+3+2+2). It should be energetic and fun, with a rock solid 11/8 feel, and the endurance and stamina to keep it high energy and driving to the end.