For tenor saxophone.

Two new incredible études from Christian Lauba - Vertigo (#29) and Prelude to Vertigo (#30) - for unaccompanied tenor sax! Dedicated to Jeffrey E. Vickers, Vertigo was premiered at the World Saxophone Congress in Strasbourg, France, in July 2015. Prelude to Vertigo is a 2-page introduction using similar or related materials that can be performed prior to Vertigo, or as a stand-alone concert étude itself.

Vertigo is a double-homage to Alfred Hitchcock (also the title of his famous film) and jazz saxophonist Chris Potter (also the title of his popular recording). The piece begins with a nod to syncopated rhythms and jazz intervals, creating the illusion of a crossover solo, blurring the lines between contemporary classical and avant garde jazz. The introductory line returns as a coda of sorts to close the piece. Throughout the body of the work, Lauba weaves his way through a variety of jazz-like patterns. Virtuosity is displayed throughout, incorporating bisbigliandi, multiphonics, slap-tonguing and light usage of altissimo. This is an incredibly enjoyable piece for both performer and audience, and will surely become a new standard for tenor saxophone.