Movements:

I. COPY/PASTE

Eyecatcher 1

Eyecatcher 2

II. Skylark

Instrumentation: Soprano Saxophone and Band (Sax Quartet (optional Soprano Sax), String Quartet, Double Bass, Electric Guitar, Piano, Synthesizer, Electric Bass, Drum Set) 

Duration: approx. 8 minutes

Program Notes: MAXIMUM EFFORT!! was written for saxophonist and fellow anime enthusiast Max Votolato. An exploration of the musical tropes, this piece is a love letter to the over-the-top but deeply-heartfelt nature of all types of music found in anime. The first movement, COPY/PASTE, was primarily inspired by the opening credits music from shounen anime with an additional saxophone flair. The second movement, Skylark, combines the typical anime ending sound with elements based on the compositional style of Yuki Hayashi, who is most well-known for scoring My Hero Academia and Haikyū!!. Interspersed between these movements are miniatures written in the style of TV ad bumpers.

Premiere Information: MAXIMUM EFFORT!! was premiered by Max Votolato at Silencing Veronica: A Senior Recital on April 22nd, 2023.