Cruz de Castro builds his “Concert” with very simple materials, as usual. The orchestra is, in the extreme parts, a great percussion instrument… the soloist part austere and difficult to play at the same time, which was marvellously performed by Francisco Martinez.
LET THESE REVIEWS HE HAS RECEIVED FOR HIS PERFORMANCES BE A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION:
The “Concert for Saxophone and Orchestra” by Carlos Cruz de Castro was new in Madrid; an important work based on the balanced and contrasting dialogue between the soloist – with a very virtuous part mastered by Francisco Martínez – …
“Really exemplary interpretation…
The activity of Francisco Martínez, as a saxophone soloist and as conductor of the Sax-Ensemble, has proved to be unpayable regarding the diffusion of his instrument in Spain, in general as well as in the specific field of contemporary music.
“The concert by the saxophonist Francisco Martinez revealed some clues of the current interpretation such as: believing in what you are performing – believing the music contained in the scores played -; high technical and musical skills which allow tackling without difficulty any written work with the composition languages and codes of today; and finally, the constant dialogue, univocal and necessary with the composers of so many master pieces of the 20th century music…
…..excellent and brilliant interpretation.
“Absolutely exemplary interpretation…
Mastery, musicality, and most important of all, a palpable love for novelty, receiving a warm and deserved ovation.
“Admirable sound – With the alto and the soprano saxophone – Perfect air column, as well the “bow” movement in string instruments. Excellent vibrato and very talented lyricism. My congratulations in the name of the “good saxophone”. You are “Grand” with the instrument. –––BRAVO!!!
“His virtuosity, his exceptional faculty in the extreme treble range, and his smooth technique were an inspiration for the students…
“It has been a pleasure to listen to his recital at the University of California; I hope his career keeps bringing him success…
“A soloist with a beautiful sound and excellent interpretation in the concert for Saxophone and Orchestra by Edison Denisov …
“Francisco Martínez is one of the best saxophonists in the world nowadays, for his quality as an interpreter as well as for his contribution to today’s music…