Baritone saxophone

The baritone saxophone, one of the larger members of the saxophone family, was invented by Adolphe Sax. The baritone is easily identified by the extra loop near its mouthpiece, which helps to keep the instrument at a practical height (the rare bass saxophone has a similar, but larger loop).

Related Topics:
Saxophone - Adolphe Sax - Bass saxophone

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The baritone saxophone (often called "bari sax") is the largest saxophone commonly seen in modern ensembles. The other three are the alto, tenor and soprano. It is in the key of E-flat, one octave lower than the alto saxophone. Despite its low register, music for the baritone saxophone is written in treble clef.

Related Topics:
Alto - Tenor - Soprano - Treble clef

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The baritone saxophone is used in classical music (particularly in the saxophone quartet, of which it is a member), but composers have rarely called for it in orchestral music, and it has a comparatively small solo repertoire. It has, however, been an important part of military bands, concert bands, and wind ensembles. In concert bands, it often plays a part similar to that of the tuba. The baritone player usually plays rather simple rhythms in order to maintain the musical pulse of the group. Often, this consists of quarter notes on beats one and three in 4/4 time.

Related Topics:
Saxophone quartet - Concert bands - Tuba - Pulse - Time

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The exceptional weight of the instrument compared to the other three commonly used sizes of saxophone makes it difficult to use in marching bands. Baritone saxophone players in marching groups often use a special harness that distributes the weight of the instrument onto the player's back instead of around his neck, as is the conventional way of supporting the instrument.

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The reeds that the baritone saxophone uses are of a similar size to those used for a bass clarinet.

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The saxophone family ranges from sopranissimo, sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass, contrabass, and subcontrabass.

Related Topics:
Sopranissimo - Sopranino - Soprano - Alto - Tenor - Baritone - Bass - Contrabass - Subcontrabass

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The fingerings for all of the instruments in the saxophone family are essentially the same and most players play more than one saxophone. The baritone saxophone, however, is the only member of the saxophone family which often possesses a "low A" key (sounding concert C, the same pitch as the lowest note on the cello), whereas most other saxophones descend only to a fingered B-flat (sounding pitch depending on the key of the particular instrument). Many saxophone players also double as flute or clarinet players.

Related Topics:
Flute - Clarinet

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