Saxophone

The saxophone or sax is a conical instrument of the woodwind family, usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece like the clarinet. It was invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. The saxophone is most commonly associated with popular music, big band music, and jazz, but it was originally intended as both an orchestral and military band instrument. Saxophone players are appropriately called saxophonists.

The saxophone in ensembles

Besides functioning as a solo instrument, the saxophone is also an effective ensemble instrument, particularly when several members of the saxophone family are played in combination. Although only occasionally called for in orchestral music, saxophone sections (usually encompassing the alto, tenor, and baritone instruments, but sometimes also the soprano and/or bass) are an important part of the jazz big band, as well as military, concert, and marching bands.

Related Topics:
Orchestral - Big band

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Ensembles made up exclusively of saxophones are also popular, with the most common being the saxophone quartet (comprising the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone instruments, or, more rarely, two altos, tenor, and baritone). There is an extensive repertoire of classical compositions and arrangements for this instrumentation dating back to the nineteenth century, particularly by French composers. The Raschèr http://www.rsq-sax.com/, Amherst http://amherstsaxophonequartet.buffalo.edu/, and Rova Saxophone Quartets are among the most well known groups, and the World Saxophone Quartet is the preeminent jazz saxophone quartet.

Related Topics:
Saxophone quartet - Raschèr - Amherst - Rova - World Saxophone Quartet

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Larger all-saxophone ensembles exist as well. The most prominent professional saxophone ensembles include the Raschèr Saxophone Orchestra http://www.rsq-sax.com/rascher_e.htm, London Saxophonic, Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra http://www.nuclearwhales.com/, and Urban Sax. Very large groups, featuring over 100 saxophones, are sometimes organized as a novelty at saxophone conventions http://www.worldsax.net.

Related Topics:
Raschèr Saxophone Orchestra - Nuclear Whales Saxophone Orchestra - Urban Sax

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