Fernande Decruck and Paule Maurice : comparing musical elements of two compositions for saxophone by 20th-century female French composers

Abstract

Sonate en ut# pour saxophone alto (ou alto) et orchestra by Fernande Decruck and Tableaux de Provence by Paule Maurice are two major works in the saxophone repertoire. Both compositions were written in the middle of the 20th century by female French composers who shared many aspects of their lives and careers. By reviewing both of their lives, education, and career similarities, the historical background and impact of each piece will be identified. Additionally, the compositional style and influences on each of these works will be compared. The main resources for the project were dissertations and books. Original documents like correspondence, and program notes written by Maurice were also used to provide context for the issues discussed. The conclusion of this comparison is that the lives and careers of Decruck and Maurice were quite similar despite a significant difference regarding the history of performance and popularity of the two works chosen for examination.