Remember Quote by Gavin Bryars
“I remember once, when I started writing for the alto saxophone, a saxophonist told me to think of it as being like a cross between an oboe and a viola, but louder.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussion on composition, 2005
He was advised to imagine the alto sax sound as a louder blend of oboe and viola, guiding tonal imagination.
In simple terms: Think of the sax as a louder oboe‑viola mix.
Key Takeaway
Use vivid analogies to shape sound.
Themes
music
instrumentation
imagination
Mood
creative
instructive
Type
musical
educational
When to use this quote
- composing
- rehearsal
- performance
- teaching
Key Concepts
tone color
aural metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this analogy affect your phrasing?
- Can you hear the difference?
A Different Perspective
Analogy may oversimplify instrument’s unique qualities.
