Two Childhood Portraits
for Soprano Saxophone and Piano
Duration: approx. 15 minutes | Difficulty: Advanced
 
Two Childhood Portraits is a sophisticated and expressive concert work in two contrasting movements that explore the emotional landscape of childhood through the lyrical voice of the soprano saxophone and the harmonic richness of the piano.
 
The first movement, Hide and Seek, captures the joy and uncontainable energy of youthful play. Rhythmic vitality, playful imitation, and a tightly woven fugue evoke the exhilaration of children at play—darting, hiding, and laughing in secret corners.
 
The second movement, Sunset, offers a moment of introspective calm. Inspired by the golden hues of the Mediterranean horizon as seen from the ancient ruins of Curium in Cyprus, this movement is meditative and expansive, filled with tender lyricism and subtle harmonic shifts that shimmer like light on water.
 
With its rich textures, virtuosic demands, and emotional depth, Two Childhood Portraits is ideal for professional recital programs, competitions, and upper-level university performance. The work was commissioned and premiered by saxophonist Lucas Hopkins and pianist Er-Hsuan Li, and is featured on their album Nostos (Soundset Recordings) which is available on all major streaming platforms.
 
Includes full score, piano,  and soprano saxophone parts.