Légende for alto saxophone and orchestra, Op. 66, by Florent Schmitt
Commissioned by American saxophonist Elise Hall “Legende” by F.Schmitt is one of the most enigmatic piece of music ever written. Unlike Debussy’s rapsodie, also commisionned by Elise Hall in 1903, Legende requires a solid technique. Debussy was not impressed by Mrs. Hall’s talent and it shows. Although beautifully crafted, one can feel that Debussy felt compelled to restrain composing a technically challenging work. Either Mrs. had improved tremondesly or Schmitt didn’t care, (having read about Schmitt’s character I would opt for the later option!) he writes as he pleases, with no contrains and the result is superb.