Prestidigitations is an exciting concert piece inspired by magic illusions. The piece is constructed essentially from one simple idea: a stream of upward-moving notes — in intervals of seconds and thirds — that keeps restarting, creating off-kilter rhythmic patterns.

​

Prestidigitations is divided into three sections, separated by moments when the saxophones alight on a single note. In the middle section, the single note slowly grows into a series of climaxes, each building in tension until reaching an ultimate "ta-dah" moment. In the final section, the beginning is recalled before the higher saxophones are sent hurtling upward in a never-ending spiral and the low saxes play a raucous conclusion. The stream of intervals occurs at several moments in the piece, and was written with an auditory illusion in mind: the Shepard glissando.

​

The word "prestidigitation" is a synonym for "sleight of hand." Perhaps it is a household word for some magicians, but not many others. Plus, it's not easy to say! I first learned the word from my wife, who had just heard it on a TV show and was having a very hard time repeating it! I was no help since I hadn't even heard it before. In light of this humorous and endearing memory, the middle section of the piece prominently features a "stuttering" rhythm.