Fragments of Memories for Solo Alto Saxophone

With Fragments of Memories, I explore the saxophone’s rich and versatile sounds and techniques, such as the so-called “colorful bisbigliando” in which the soloist seamlessly improvise with different fingerings, multiphonics, overtones, and subtones to create a sound that constantly changes its “color” in free, unmetered rhythm. These sounds and techniques depict the fragments of sounds from my childhood memories: my mother’s poignant lullabies interrupted by an array of noises. Laughter and tears, both born of happiness and sorrow, weave themselves into this tapestry of fleeting moments. These memories are reserved and awakened by sounds. One of the Vietnamese lullabies that inspired this composition could be found in the YouTube channel of Cultura Fish.