Karg-Elert - Raaf Hekkema

Saxophonist Raaf Hekkema presents Sigfrid Karg-Elert’s complete works for solo saxophone, stylistically encompassing Bach and baroque dances as well as dance-hall and atonality. This recording is the result of a life-long quest to unveil the musical intentions of this enigmatic, colourful composer. It’s hard to think of a better ambassador for this vibrant repertoire than Raaf Hekkema, one of today’s most-acclaimed saxophonists.

Raaf Hekkema is an adventurous Dutch saxophonist. Performing mainly his own arrangements, he gives approximately 100 concerts per year the world over. This is his first solo project on PENTATONE, after having released Hidden Gems (2018), Dido & Aeneazz(2019), Bach’s Musical Offerings (2020) and An American Rhapsody (2023) as member of the Calefax Reed Quintet.

Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877-1933)
25 Caprices & Sonate Op. 153 (1929); Revision by Raaf Hekkema, 2024
Caprices

1) I. Preambolo. Molto veloce
2:05

2) II. Valse languide. Non troppo allegro
2:23

3) III. Consolation. Larghetto con molto espressione
3:19

4) IV. Corrente. Allegro veloce
1:42

5) V. Giga. Presto
1:53

6) VI. Rag. Molto vivo
1:05

7) VII. Toccata (in tre parti). Allegrissimo e leggerissimo
2:25

8) VIII. Ondina. a piacere
1:49

9) IX. Arlecchino. Allegro burlesco
2:28

10) X. Cubana (in modo frigico). Moderato
2:08

11) XI. In modo lidio. Alla marcia
1:47

12) XII. Ciaccona. Lento e solenne
5:52

13) XIII. In modo misolidio. Tempo di Bourrée
1:36

14) XIV. In modo frigico. Alla Sarabanda
2:43

15) XV. Alla burla. Vivacissimo
2:40

16) XVI. Piccola danza elegiaca. Moderato
2:07

17) XVII. Valse d’amore. Non troppo allegro
3:48

18) XVIII. Ibérienne. Brioso
2:30

19) XIX. Tarantelle et Sicilienne. Prestissimo possibile, Andantino
4:11

20) XX. In modo dorico. Quieto
3:10

21) XXI. Studio. Vivace
1:04

22) XXII. Leggenda. Andante sostenuto
4:18

23) XXIII. Tanghetto. Tempo ordinario
3:25

24) XXIV. Papillon. Allegrissimo, leggerissimo possible
0:43

25) XXV. Metamorfosi. Agitato
2:05
Sonata (atonal)

26) Allegro con moto
5:02

27) Scherzo demoniaco. Prestissimo, feroce
2:34

28) Larghetto malinconico
5:13

29) Toccata-Finale. Allegrissimo con umore
3:31