Man-Mou

Nigel Wood and Hong Kong saxophonist Kevin Ling have been involved in numerous musical collaborations in the UK and Hong Kong. In 2011, Kevin commissioned Nigel to write a new work for the less common combination of sopranino saxophone and piano, and this piece is the result of that commission.

The title “Man-Mou” was inspired by the two types of Cantonese Opera plays. “Mou” plays emphasise war, conflict and strife. In contrast, “Man” plays tend to be gentler, more elegant and poetic. “Man-Mou'” is not intended to be programmatic or imitative of Cantonese Opera, rather an evocation of the myriad of musical styles and instruments (both Western and Eastern) that have influenced Cantonese music.

The ornaments are only suggestions, allowing the performer to embellish in a quasi improvisatory style. After a brief introduction, the main theme (Man), a coquettish, lyrical melody follows. This evolves into a more tense, jazz/funk section (Mou). A restorative calm leads to a peaceful ending.

The saxophone & piano version of “Man-Mou”was premièred at the 2012 World Saxophone Congress.

This arrangement, written for Meyrick Alexander, has been arranged for wind quartet with an alternative alto sax part provided to replace the french horn if required.

The E-Edition PDF bundle comes with the following parts:

Standard parts
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet in Bb
Horn in F (alternative to Alto Saxophone)
Bassoon

Alternative parts
Alto Saxophone (alternative to Horn in F)

“Man-Mou” is also available in hard-copy from June Emerson Wind Music.