Shaun Acker
List of Works
Instrumentation: Saxophone and electronics
Duration: 16:00
Premier information: Performed in Erin Hall 2021.
Programmatic information: This work was originally for piano and saxophone, but it later included textures and rhythmic opportunities through the use of EDM (electronic dance music).
Note from composer: “A mechanical, maniacal horse fashioned in the deepest pits of hell escapes its captors. It falls into the bottom of the River Styx where it lies for 3000 years. A mermaid casts a spell and reanimates it. As its demon captors return to restrain it, the horse kicks free and escapes into the human world. This is the inspiration behind my composition Cavallia, a solo atonal electro-dance concerto for saxophone and unrealistic instruments.”
Instrumentation: Alto Saxophone and piano
Duration: 2:47
Programmatic information: Arranged from the Phax Trio Original Version
Instrumentation: Saxophone duo
Duration: 1:18
Programmatic information: A duet suited for younger / beginner students.
Click here for sheet music.
Instrumentation: Euphonium, tuba and alto/baritone saxophone
Duration: 4:27
Instrumentation: Saxophone and euphonium
Duration: 4:11
Instrumentation: Version for Alto saxophone, euphonium, baritone saxophone / or saxophone septet (soprano saxophone, alto 1,2 & 3, tenor 1 & 2 and baritone saxophone)
Duration: 2:45
Programmatic information: Arranged for the Phax Trio. Original version was written for the South African National Saxophone Symposium 2018.
Click here for sheet music.
Instrumentation: Alto saxophone and piano
Duration: 2:21
Programmatic information: Arranged from the Phax Trio orginal version.
Version of recording below is the Phax Trio Recording.
Instrumentation: Alto saxophone, euphonium and tuba
Duration: 4:21
Instrumentation: euphonium, tuba and alto/baritone saxophone
Duration: 3:12
Programatic information: “A fesity Latin-inspired number”
Instrumentation: euphonium, tuba and alto/baritone saxophone
Duration: 4:20
Programmatic information: A technique showcasing phase technique
Instrumentation: Euphonium, tuba and alto/baritone saxophone
Duration: 1:25
Programmatic information: An atmospheric trio for rainy weather
Instrumentation: Euphonium, tuba and alto/baritone saxophone
Duration: 5:23
Programmatic information: A collaboration between the Phax Trio and the ShhArt Ensemble
About the Composer...
Shaun Acker is a South African born saxophonist (classical and jazz) and composer. After studying at Rhodes University with Rick van Heerden in 2004 – 2007, Shaun moved to Cape Town where he has since performed and taught saxophone (Parklands College, Sweet Valley Primary and privately). As a performer, he’s worked intimately with the Phax Trio (an ensemble comprising sax, euphonium and bari sax/tuba) and currently performs with the Cape Town Philharmonic Wind Ensemble. In addition to his musical activities, Shaun graduated with a masters degree in drama and currently works as a voice artist for international clientele.