Octet for Saxophones was written for a joint concert with the Aurelia Quartet from the Netherlands, commissioned by the Trouvere Quartet. It was composed in October 2000 and premiered in Amsterdam that December, followed by performances in Tokyo and Hiroshima.

The composition is not for eight saxophones because of this background; it is written for two quartets (S.A.T.B). Imagine a scenario from the distant past where two groups of traveling musicians meet on a street corner. They decide to perform together and engage in a friendly competition, each trying not to be outdone by the other. As they play, they get drawn into each other's music, and this intensifies their passion for the performance. I wrote with such a scene in mind, and I hope that the joy of ensemble playing is felt above all else when it is performed.

(Jun Nagao)