Adolf Busch and the Saxophone: A Historical Perspective on his Quintet, op. 34

by Russell Veirs (UCLA Doctoral Dissertation)

Abstract:

Adolf Busch, well-known as a violinist, contributed a major work to the saxophone's chamber repertoire in 1925 while living in Germany. This piece, Quintet, op. 34 for alto saxophone, two violins, viola, and cello, lay hidden until many decades later when it resurfaced for performance in the United States. Busch's use of the saxophone was advanced for the time, and his inclusion of the instrument in a quintet with strings was unique.

Scattered information regarding the genesis of the piece, its advanced use of the saxophone at the time, and the discrepancies between the published score and parts all called for exploration. This study investigates the sparse history of the piece, using numerous primary and secondary sources, and offers performance suggestions so that today's saxophonist can deliver a performance reflecting the musical life surrounding the instrument at time of its composition. Included is a brief biography of the composer, a discussion of the factors that likely influenced the quintet, an investigation of the work's structure, descriptions of the unpublished editions of the piece, and an examination of Busch's meticulous revision process for this piece.

Full dissertation available online at: eScholarship.org