The Musical Saw.

[schnittkease]

The musical saw is truly an odd instrument, but a beautiful one as well.

https://www.youtube.com/v/wsv0sT5HgR4

The secret to its voice is the grade and tempering of its steel; indeed surprising that this can make such a difference. 


As of now, here will be the go-to place for all things musical saw, from their sound to a disappointingly small repertoire. Obviously GMG was in desperate need of such a place. :)

I will start things off. Apart from various arrangements of famous pieces (as seen in the above video), there is not much music for a sawist to engage with. An exception from a major composer is Koechlin's Three monodies, Op. 220. Unfortunately sheet music remains very rare and not something everyone can get their hands on. (Much of Koechlin's late work suffers the same fate.)

[Florestan]

Aram Khachaturian's Piano Concerto in D-flat major, Op. 38 - second movement, Andante con anima.

'Nuff said.

[Mirror Image]

I'd rather listen to an ondes martenot any day of the week.

[Dax]

Aram Khachaturian's Piano Concerto in D-flat major, Op. 38 - second movement, Andante con anima.

'Nuff said.

Which has a part for flexatone rather than for musical saw. Most effectively heard in the recording of the work by Peter Katin conducted by Hugo Rignold.