Microtonal Improvisations: The 24TET Scale

The following are examples of free improvisation using notes from the 24TET scale,  also known as the quartertone chromatic scale. The performances feature Argentinian saxophonist Dario Dolce and myself. What's unique about this scale system is that the notes don't have a built-in timbral uniformity. Due to the cross-fingerings used to play the quartertones, some notes are dull, some are bright, and some have a certain timbrel ambiguity, which makes for a varied tonal palette. 

I've also included a fingering chart posted by Mark Charette on www.wfg.woodwind.org. I've used a few of these fingerings in the past. As I've mentioned earlier, you can always use certain fingerings just to get in the tonal ballpark. Afterwhich you can tailor them to fit your own needs.

Record on June 24, 2020, this piece is titled "Soprano Sax (Melodic Microtonal)." It features Dario Dolce.

Premiered on June 27, 2020, this piece is titled "Microtonal Improvisation for Saxophone." It features Sam Newsome on soprano saxophone.

Quartertone fingering chart