FIVE-PART

Five-part density is generally associated with the saxophone soli, the mixed instrument soli, and full ensemble passages. Anything larger than five-part density should be reserved for notes lasting a second or longer. This will give the listener more time to hear, and appreciate, a complicated harmony.

Below is a mixed ensemble, quartal voicing utilizing five different pitches. It is also an example of planing (see ORCHESTRAL TECHNIQUES - PLANING). Although there are six instruments listed, the guitar does not add density because it is merely doubling the trumpet part an octave lower.

As in Abene's two-part example, this five-part saxophone soli (below) contains many interesting qualities. Several factors make this passage sound very fresh and contemporary. These include linear writing, contrary motion, and quartal voicings - see Bill Dobbins book Jazz Arranging and Composing, A Linear Approach. Each part is an independent line, there is no major effort to voice specific harmonies.