The concerto is famous—and often feared—for its extensive use of the altissimo register. Raschèr’s ability to play far above the standard keyed range of the saxophone allowed Larsson to treat the instrument more like a violin or flute. For decades, the piece was considered unplayable by anyone other than Raschèr, leading Larsson to produce a "simplified" version in the early 1980s to make it more accessible to contemporary soloists. Key technical hurdles include:
Because the work is not in the public domain, free "full PDF" downloads hosted on file-sharing sites are unauthorized copyright infringements. To obtain an accurate, legal copy of the full orchestral score or the reduction for alto saxophone and piano, look to these legitimate avenues:
Finding the full score for Lars-Erik Larsson’s Saxophone Concerto, Op. 14
The first movement opens with a lyrical, pastoral theme introduced by the strings. The saxophone enters not with a bombastic display, but with a song-like quality.
The work is also historically significant; its creation coincided with , which was also written for Raschèr, making both pieces foundational to the modern saxophone repertoire. larsson saxophone concerto pdf full
: Maintaining pitch stability in the extreme high register.
Whether you are a saxophonist preparing a performance or a musicologist analyzing its structure, finding a reliable score or solo part is essential to understanding this Swedish masterpiece. The Origins of a Saxophone Masterpiece Written for Sigurd Raschèr
Once you finally secure your , what should you look for? Let’s break down the three movements so you can approach your practice effectively.
Essential for conductors and ensembles planning a performance with string orchestra. Key technical hurdles include: Because the work is
Because Lars-Erik Larsson passed away in 1986, his works are in many jurisdictions (such as the EU, where copyright lasts 70 years after the composer's death). Consequently, "full" PDFs circulating for free on the internet are often unauthorized scans.
The Larsson Concerto is designed to push the saxophonist's technique to the limit, particularly regarding:
For the saxophonist, the concerto presents several difficulties:
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. The saxophone enters not with a bombastic display,
The concerto was dedicated to and premiered by the legendary virtuoso Sigurd Raschèr in Norrköping, Sweden. Wind Repertory Project Pioneering Techniques
The Larsson Saxophone Concerto in E-flat Major is a timeless masterpiece, cherished by musicians and audiences alike. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Larsson's craftsmanship, the saxophone's expressive capabilities, and the concerto's universal appeal. Whether you're a saxophonist, educator, or music enthusiast, this concerto is sure to inspire and delight.
While the PDF is not legal on IMSLP in most regions due to copyright, you may find transcriptions or arrangements for saxophone and piano that are older. Do not confuse Larsson with other composers. As of 2025, the main work remains blocked in the EU/US. However, if you are in a country with a 50-year copyright term (rare), check IMSLP. For most users, this is a dead end.