Isaac Asimov’s 1956 short story, The Last Question, explores the life cycle of the universe and ponders whether a quest for knowledge can lead to a better and more permanent future for humanity. Ultimately, Asimov’s story can be read as a celebration of life and new beginnings, as the music on this program may also be heard. Marilyn Shrude’s “Avanti!” was written to celebrate the brilliant career of the late saxophonist, Frederick L. Hemke, upon his retirement after 50 years from Northwestern University. Stacy Garrop’s “My Dearest Ruth” adapts the final letter from Marty Ginsburg to his wife and was commissioned to be presented as an 80th birthday tribute to the U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  Annika Socolofsky’s “Rise” and Marcos Balter’s “Wicker Park” each explore the many timbres and resonances possible on the saxophone, pressing the tonal and expressive capabilities of the instrument to its limits. Finally, Roger Zare’s “The Last Question” draws its influence directly from Asimov’s eponymous short story as it explores the life cycle of the universe through the soprano saxophone and piano duo.

Roger Zare – The Last Question (2020)

Marcos Balter – Wicker Park (2009)

Stacy Garrop – My Dearest Ruth (2020)

Annika Socolofsky – Rise (2018)

Marilyn Shrude – Avanti! (2012)