Lars-Erik Larsson’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone and String Orchestra, Op. 14 (1934) is a neoclassical masterpiece renowned for its extreme technical demands, particularly the extensive use of the altissimo register commissioned by Sigurd Raschèr. The three-movement work is a foundational, advanced piece for the saxophone repertoire, often used to study "Top Tone" techniques. For a detailed breakdown of the work, visit Wind Repertory Project.
Chromatic harmony within tonality – Larsson never abandons key signatures, but his harmonic language is restless. Secondary dominants, modal inflections, and brief tonal shifts (to mediant or submediant keys) create a bittersweet, Nordic atmosphere—less tragic than Sibelius, but more introspective than Nielsen. larsson saxophone concerto pdf full
Altissimo Range: This concerto was one of the first major works to require the Top Tone or altissimo skill, pushing the saxophone beyond its standard orchestral range. Lars-Erik Larsson’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone and String
The concerto you're referring to might be one of Larsson's popular works for saxophone. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a detailed review of the specific concerto. Poor Quality: Scans of old library copies are
If you are serious about performing or studying this piece, obtaining an official edition is the professional route. The primary publisher for Larsson’s works is Gehrmans Musikförlag (based in Stockholm).
The heart of the concerto lies in the second movement. It is introspective and somber, characterized by long, sustained phrases.