Vincent d'Indy (March 27, 1851 - Dec. 2, 1931) was a French composer and teacher born in to an aristocratic family. He took piano lessons from his grandmother at a young age, and studied harmony at 14 from Albert Lavignac. He enlisted in the National Guard during the Franco-Prussian War when he was 19, but came back to music as soon as the fighting was over. He became a student at the Paris Conservatory, and later on became dissatisfied with the standard of teaching there, and with Charles Bordes and Alexandre Guilmant, founded the Schola Cantorum de Paris in 1894. d'Indy would teach there, and at the Paris Conservatory, until his death.

d'Indy's compositional output was quite varied, and included Choral Varié, a work for saxophone and orchestra (or piano.) d'Indy knew very well what the saxophone was capable of, and wrote to its ability to be highly expressive in this wonderful work. The opening theme, of descending intervals, is rather stately and formal in the beginning, but then things get a little more creative after the piano (or orchestra) goes through a more lyrical section. Soon we hear Impressionism make its way in to both parts, with the focus always being on melodic line. d'Indy showcases the saxophone beautifully, and demonstrates its strengths as a solo instrument, writing in such an expressive, yet intimate way.

Here's a recording of this lovely work for you to enjoy!

Sigurôur Flosason