The source work is "Battle for 5 Alto Saxophones". Then it was arranged for 1 S.Sax / 2 A.Sax. / T.Sax./ B.Sax. as "Second Battle". The two pieces are almost the same, but "Third Battle," commissioned by the Kanagawa Prefectural Hiratsuka Secondary School Wind Orchestra, has been expanded to a septet. The ballad in the middle part has almost the same harmonic progression as "Second Battle," but there are differences in melody and orchestration, as well as the addition of a subtle counter line in some parts. The sound is more gorgeous due to the larger ensemble, but, in return, it requires more precise balance. Please read the score carefully.
(Masamicz Amano)
