Billaudot Gérard Gasparian - Valse "A Fanny" Saxophone

Summary of this sheet music

Originally composed for solo piano, this little waltz was transposed for saxophone and piano by Alcibiade Minel at the request of Philippe Portejoie. The result retains the flexibility and elegance of a salon waltz, while offering the saxophone a naturally "vocal" role: a line that unfolds fluidly, requires careful legato, and highlights the quality of the timbre throughout the phrase.
The piece cultivates a subtle balance between styles and references, without ever falling into imitation. One can perceive "a bit of Ravel, but not too much," for the finesse of colors and certain harmonic turns; "a bit of Satie, but not too much," for the apparent simplicity, discreet humor, and clarity of discourse; and perhaps a more cinematic touch reminiscent of Philippe Sarde, in the way it establishes an immediately evocative atmosphere. The center of the waltz, meanwhile, opens toward a broader lyricism, which could be likened to the spirit of Tchaikovsky, notably "December" from The Seasons: a warmer, almost intimate moment that calls for very breath-controlled phrasing and a precise sense of dynamics.
In practice, this saxophone and piano transcription is particularly well suited to interpretative work: control of attacks, management of waltz accents, measured rubato, and constant dialogue with the accompaniment. The piano does not merely support: it establishes movement, color, and breathing, while the saxophone brings the line, brilliance, and poetry. An ideal score for developing expressiveness and musical coherence, in an accessible and rewarding format.

Technical specifications

Musical Genre

Classical

Publication

Sheet music

Arranger	Alcibiade Minel	Instrumentation	saxophone and piano
Artist	Philippe Portejoie