Some Like it
Modern
The project challenges both musicians and composers to create convincing musical programs in this rather unknown and undeveloped territory that is the music for baritone saxophone and piano. With its innovative approach, the duo connects both the world of romantic and of contemporary classical music with hopes to incite the audience to experiment this world of daring musical exploration.
Some Like it Modern is a chamber music project created in 2022 by the saxophonist Mafalda Oliveira and the pianist Marta Marta. A "made in Amsterdam" idea by two "made in Portugal" musicians, SLiM celebrates contemporany music through unconventional instrumentation.
Mafalda Oliveira
Mafalda is a true lover of one of the lowest instruments of the saxophone family – the baritone saxophone. Her passion for this instrument, with its deep and warm sound, was the catalyst for the creation of this project. Mafalda lives in Amsterdam, with a degree in classical saxophone and chamber music from the Amsterdam Conservatory, with high distinction for her relevant work in the field of contemporary music. In 2022 she won the Dutch Classical Talent Award 2021/2022 as a member of the Maat Saxophone Quartet.
Marta Mata
Teaming up with Marta, a chamber music enthusiast, the duo embarks on a inspiring challenge of exploring the boundless possibilities of the project. She is currently pursuing a master's degree at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel under the tutelage of Professor Aleksandar Madžar. Prior to this, she studied at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam under the mentorship of Professor Frank van de Laar from 2020 to 2023. During this period in Amsterdam, Marta earned the Formação em Artes no Estrangeiro scholarship, awarded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
Example of a Concert Program
Program
Primo Ish-Hurwitz
Sonata for Baritone Saxophone
and Piano (2023)
José Benjamín Falces
Transfers (2019)
Johannes Brahms
Sonata for Piano and Cello no. 1 in
E minor, Op. 38 (1862-65)
Arr. four saxofone barítono por
Mafalda Oliveira
About the Pieces
Primo Ish-Hurwitz - Sonata for Baritone Saxophone and Piano
Commissioned to the uprising Dutch composer Primo Ish-Hurwitz, the Sonata for Baritone Saxophone and Piano unfolds in two movements - the first one serves as an introduction to the mysteriously captivating second movement that follows. The pieces sucessfuly shows Primo's search to create music with a very strong character that would showcase some of the great qualities of the baritone saxophone while in communion with the piano. Overall, the music leaves a enthralling and humuristic impact.
José Benjamín Falces - Tranfers
The invigorating composition "Tranfers" by the Spanish composer and saxophonist Benjamin Falce was composed in 2019 and delves into the themes of life and death. Benjamín skillfully weaves moderately accessible and beautiful harmonies into the fabric of the piece, resulting in many musically moving moments, while introducing technical challenges that showcase the musicians' virtuosity.
Johannes Brahms - Sonata for Piano & Cello No. 1,
Op. 38
Last but not least, the duo plays an arrangement made by Mafalda herself of Johannes Brahms' Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 1 in E minor. This work of chamber music - a masterpiece that stands out for its simplicity and profound emotional impact - gains new layers of depth and fresh perspectives of lyricism.