John Adams - Saxophone Concerto (Stephen Page; Cameron Hofmann)

Information

Composer: John Adams

• Saxophone Concerto: I. Animato, Moderato
• Saxophone Concerto: II. Molto vivo (a hard driving pulse)

Stephen Page, saxophone

Cameron Hofmann, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Navona

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Although the saxophone possesses remarkable expressive agility and a unique timbre, it remains a rarity within the symphonic repertoire. Addressing this omission, pioneering composer John Adams draws upon a lifetime of familiarity with the instrument in his Concerto for Saxophone, a daring composition designed to spotlight this robust woodwind. In this recording, saxophonist Stephen Page leads the performance, fully testing the instrument’s technical boundaries. Page masterfully navigates the intricate demands of the score, seamlessly balancing the work’s subtle jazz inflections, driving rhythmic pulse, and deliberate lyricism to deliver a captivating interpretation.

Stephen Page is an internationally prominent saxophonist celebrated for his fearless performances and interpretations of emerging and adapted violin repertoire. He has concertized across five continents, won prizes in over ten prestigious competitions, and advanced saxophone literature by commissioning works from leading contemporary composers. As a recording artist with over 15 albums, he serves as a Yamaha Performing Artist and an executive committee member for the North American Saxophone Alliance. Dr. Page currently balances his active performance career with academia, serving as Associate Professor of Saxophone and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

Cameron Hofmann is an accomplished collaborative pianist, organist, and vocal coach who earned his bachelor's degree from California State University, Stanislaus, followed by a master's and doctorate from the University of Minnesota. He has performed extensively in concert series across the United States, Italy, and Slovenia, and serves as an accompanist for operas and international competitions. Having previously held staff positions at the University of Minnesota and Yuba College, Hofmann trained under prominent instructors such as Margo Garrett, Timothy Lovelace, and Karl Paulnack, with additional coaching from Dean Billmeyer, Jorja Fleezanis, and Noriko Kawai.

High Resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz