The Ecclectic Sonata
Eccles-Zinninger

The Ecclectic Sonata (2018)
Tom Zinninger
Alto Saxophone Solo with Piano

The Ecclectic Sonata composed by Tom Zinninger (based on the 1720 Sonata in G minor by Henry Eccles) for Alto Saxophone Solo with Piano. The Ecclectic Sonata is a re-imagining of the 1720 violin sonata in G minor by English composer Henri Eccles. A straightforward version of this famous baroque era composition is available for many different instruments. Saxophone players will know the well known arrangement by Sigurd Rascher for alto sax and piano. It is a staple of entry-level repertoire for developing saxophonist. This “eclectic” version for alto saxophone and piano takes the sonata in an entirely new direction. Elements of jazz, blues and popular music are incorporated at various times throughout the four movements, including a brief improvisation section in the finale. This piece should prove to be quite fun to prepare (especially if one is familiar with the original version), and will certainly provide entertainment for a wide variety of audiences.

The Ecclectic Sonata was performed by composer/saxophonist Tom Zinninger and pianist Casey Dierlam Tse at the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) 2020 Biennial Conference at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.

• The range for the saxophone part is shown below.
• Audio and score excerpts are available above.
• Registered users can download a complete sample score and full-length performance of The Ecclecic Sonata on the ‘Samples’ tab.

Solo Saxophone Range for “The Ecclectic Sonata”

The alto saxophone solo part frequently extends into the altissimo range. Alternatives are given in the part.

About the Composer

Dr. Thomas Zinninger

Originally from Louisville KY, Dr. Thomas Zinninger has worked as an active saxophonist, composer, arranger, and music educator for the past 20 years. Equally comfortable in a number of styles, his musical experience ranges from combo and big band jazz to classical chamber and orchestral music.

Zinninger ‘s performance credits include the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra, the Frank Simon Band, the Chamber Winds of Louisville, the Blue Wisp Big Band, and the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra. As a soloist, he has premiered new arrangements for the saxophone at the 16th World Saxophone Congress in St. Andrews Scotland, as well as the 2012, 2014, and 2017 North American Saxophone Alliance Conferences.

Zinninger is currently the Assistant Professor of Saxophone and Jazz at Texas A & M University Kingsville. His duties include teaching applied saxophone, directing the jazz combo and saxophone chamber ensemble programs, teaching saxophone methods, and teaching courses in jazz improvisation. Prior to joining the TAMUK faculty in 2018, he held the Instructor of Saxophone position at Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH where he also directed the jazz ensemble and taught music appreciation. Zinninger has also served both as a graduate assistant and on the faculty at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) in Cincinnati, OH. He received a Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Louisville, and a Masters of Music in Jazz Studies and Doctorate of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance from CCM.