🇬🇧 Bembe is the name of a traditional African rhythm which is based on the division of a 12/8 time signature into three equal parts, i.e., as if there is one measure of 3/4 within a 12/8. The whole composition came from this assumption, and while the rhythm and their possible combinations fascinated me, the melodies were emerging naturally. The work was composed in less than an hour. It is dedicated to all saxophonists. 🇵🇹 Bembe é o nome de um ritmo tradicional africano que tem como base a divisão do compasso 12/8 em três partes iguais, ou seja, como se existisse um compasso 3/4 dentro de um 12/8. Toda a composição partiu deste pressuposto, e ao mesmo tempo que o ritmo e as suas possíveis combinações me fascinavam, as melodias iam surgindo naturalmente. A obra foi composta em menos de uma hora. É dedicada a todos os saxofonistas.

Duration: c. 6:15 – Year: 2014

Instrumentation – Big Band

Solo E-flat Alto Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone I-II
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Bass Trombone (opt. Trombone IV)
Piano
Bass Guitar
Percussion including: Accessories, African Percussion, Vibraphone
Drum Set

Instrumentation – Clarinet Ensemble

E-flat Soprano Clarinet (opt. B-flat Soprano Clarinet)
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet (opt. B-flat Soprano Clarinet)
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet (opt. B-flat Bass Clarinet)

Instrumentation – Clarinet Quartet

E-flat Soprano Clarinet (opt. B-flat Soprano Clarinet)
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
B-flat Bass Clarinet

Instrumentation – Saxophone Ensemble

E-flat Sopranino Saxophone (opt. B-flat Soprano Saxophone)
B-flat Soprano Saxophone I-II
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II-III
B-flat Tenor Saxophone I-II-III
E-flat Baritone Saxophone I-II
B-flat Bass Saxophone (opt. E-flat Baritone Saxophone)

Instrumentation – Saxophone Quartet

B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone

Instrumentation – Woodwind Ensemble

C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone I-II
E-flat Baritone Saxophone