German group belts out classical hits on the sax

It’s not unusual any longer for jazz artists to reinterpret classical music. Playing the arrangements on only saxophones, however, is a different story.
Quintessence Saxophone Quintet, comprising five German men who formed the group in 1993, is coming to Seoul for a second time for their “Farewell 2005” concert. It had a sold-out concert in February for Valentine’s Day.
The five saxophonists (one soprano, alto, baritone and two tenors) belt out crossover music, from classical music from the Baroque era to the jazz compositions of Dave Brubeck, an American jazz pianist. The group’s version of “Toccata und Fugue in D minor” at a concert for the 250th anniversary of Bach’s death in Leipzig, Germany in November broke musical ground.
The group is scheduled to play 13 songs, some jazz like “The Chicken” of Jaco Pastorius and some arranged pieces from classical music, such as “Hallelujah” by G. F. Handel.

by Park Sung-ha

Quintessence Saxophone Quintet will perform at Hoam Art Hall, central Seoul, at 8 p.m. today. Tickets cost 30,000 won ($28), 50,000 won and 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-2722, or visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or ticket.interpark.com.