By John Ferreira
What attracted you to the saxophone? I've been asked that question many times। Well, the sound of course। Next to the human voice it's the most expressive instrument and the one that closest resembles the human voice।
Like our voices the sax, or should I say the saxophonist is capable of producing an extreme range of sounds from sad, haunting dark tones to uplifting screams of laughter.
It came from Belgium.
Adolphe Sax invented the saxophone in 1842 making it one of the newest instruments. I've heard some people call it a brass instrument but although it's made from a certain type of brass mixture, it uses a single reed on the mouthpiece to make the sound which puts it in the woodwind family, like the clarinet. Other woodwinds are the oboe, bassoon, and bagpipes, these use double reeds. The recorder and flute are woodwinds as well but don't use reeds.
Adolph Sax drew up plans for 14 different types of saxophones.
I don't know how far he got building them all but I've heard of 10 and I've actually seen 8. They are; sopranissimo, sopranino, soprano, alto, C melody, tenor, baritone, bass, contrabass, and subcontrabass. Some of these come in different shapes like the curved soprano and the straight tenor. The 4 most popular ones are soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone and these are the voices that make up a saxophone quartet
Hard to imagine now but the saxophone didn't gain instant popularity... quite the opposite. Mr. Sax apparently worked hard to get his new invention to composers and band leaders but the instrumentation of the orchestra had been established for many years and nobody wanted to add a sax section, imagine that... I know a lot of sax fans that wished it would have happened differently, myself included! Sax became the first professor of saxophone at the Paris Conservatory in 1858. Method books were written and a few more composers were writing for the instrument and finally in 1885 the first one was made in the United States.
America's first sax star; Rudy Wiedoeft.
There was a bit of a sax craze in America in the early 1900's and a man who was partly responsible for it was the virtuoso Rudy Wiedoeft. Although not widely known today he was very popular in his time. He was an excellent saxophonist with classical training but recorded his own pop style, vaudeville, and novelty songs. Stylistically he was rooted in ragtime and classical, pre-jazz era. His saxes of choice were the alto and the C melody, which has been out of production since the early 1930's.
Now into the 1930's the classical saxophone had some well known players; Marcel Mule from France, Sigurd Rascher, German/American, and later the American Eugene Rousseau. These guys were performing, recording and having music composed for them. For most classical saxophonists the alto was by far the most popular choice.
The saxophone didn't make it into the classical orchestra as a section but that didn't stop people from writing and arranging for saxophone quartets... from Bach to Bartok to Ellington.
Speaking of Ellington, it's time for...Part 2 ... "a new voice speaks" (read the next saxophone article by Johnny Ferreira)
Johnny Ferreira is an award winning saxophonist, international touring and recording artist. Advocator of saxophone music that rocks, jumps, and swings. For more information, music, and articles including audio samples visit http://www.JohnnyFerreira.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Ferreira
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Saxophone Pictures
Saxophone Pictures: "Girl playing saxophone
Alto Saxophone
Curved Bell Soprano Saxophone
Soprano Saxophone"
Alto Saxophone
Curved Bell Soprano Saxophone
Soprano Saxophone"
Saxophones
By Kristy Annely
The saxophone is one of the youngest musical instruments. It was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, in the 1840s. The saxophone has a sound that is very close to the human voice, which is why it is used to express emotions.
The saxophone often compliments the French horn, since both of them have a similar range and timbre. A saxophone is as complex as a classical instrument yet as unconventional as a non-classical instrument.
The saxophone was originally used in the military, though it is now a popular jazz instrument. It is generally used in big bands, marching bands and concerts. Saxophones are mostly related with jazz because they are used mostly to play jazz music. However, they are also used for classical music. Saxophone players are called saxophonists.
Saxophones are classified as woodwind instruments, though they are generally made of brass. They are coated with clear or colored lacquer. Some saxophones also have gold or silver plating. The lacquer coating not only helps to prevent corrosion but also enhances the quality of sound and gives a beautiful look to the instrument.
The mouthpiece may be made of plastic, rubber, metal, wood or glass. However, the material does not affect the sound quality. The shape of the mouthpiece is found to have an effect on the quality of sound, since those with a concave chamber are felt to produce softer tones.
The saxophone is similar to a clarinet, in the sense that both use a single mouthpiece. However, it has a square or round evacuated inner chamber. The body is conical in shape, like the oboe, though the curve is more distinctive at the bell. Saxophones may be straight or curved, though straight ones are more common.
The main parts in a saxophone are: the mouth-piece including the ligature and the reed; the main tube that has tone holes and keys; a series of rods that connect the keys to the tone holes; the pads that securely cover the tone holes and, most importantly, the bell. The neck strap is also important since saxophones can be very heavy.
There are several kinds of saxophones but the four most common are: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone saxophones. The Alto saxophones are smaller and ideal for first-time players. They are also the most popular kind. There are also vintage saxophones available.
Second-hand saxophones can also be bought for a reasonable price. While buying a used saxophone, ensure that the keys aren’t noisy or leaking. Also check for dents or scratches. The pads and the cork should be in good working condition. It is better to get it checked by a professional before buying it.
The local music store, mail-order service, a private party or the Internet are possible sources for buying saxophones. The main aspects to be considered are the quality, service, price and the model. The Internet is a good place to find information about saxophones, but it is a good idea to test a few of them before buying.
Saxophones provides detailed information about saxophones, jazz saxophones, soprano saxophones, alto saxophones and more. Saxophones is the sister site of Violins Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely
The saxophone is one of the youngest musical instruments. It was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, in the 1840s. The saxophone has a sound that is very close to the human voice, which is why it is used to express emotions.
The saxophone often compliments the French horn, since both of them have a similar range and timbre. A saxophone is as complex as a classical instrument yet as unconventional as a non-classical instrument.
The saxophone was originally used in the military, though it is now a popular jazz instrument. It is generally used in big bands, marching bands and concerts. Saxophones are mostly related with jazz because they are used mostly to play jazz music. However, they are also used for classical music. Saxophone players are called saxophonists.
Saxophones are classified as woodwind instruments, though they are generally made of brass. They are coated with clear or colored lacquer. Some saxophones also have gold or silver plating. The lacquer coating not only helps to prevent corrosion but also enhances the quality of sound and gives a beautiful look to the instrument.
The mouthpiece may be made of plastic, rubber, metal, wood or glass. However, the material does not affect the sound quality. The shape of the mouthpiece is found to have an effect on the quality of sound, since those with a concave chamber are felt to produce softer tones.
The saxophone is similar to a clarinet, in the sense that both use a single mouthpiece. However, it has a square or round evacuated inner chamber. The body is conical in shape, like the oboe, though the curve is more distinctive at the bell. Saxophones may be straight or curved, though straight ones are more common.
The main parts in a saxophone are: the mouth-piece including the ligature and the reed; the main tube that has tone holes and keys; a series of rods that connect the keys to the tone holes; the pads that securely cover the tone holes and, most importantly, the bell. The neck strap is also important since saxophones can be very heavy.
There are several kinds of saxophones but the four most common are: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone saxophones. The Alto saxophones are smaller and ideal for first-time players. They are also the most popular kind. There are also vintage saxophones available.
Second-hand saxophones can also be bought for a reasonable price. While buying a used saxophone, ensure that the keys aren’t noisy or leaking. Also check for dents or scratches. The pads and the cork should be in good working condition. It is better to get it checked by a professional before buying it.
The local music store, mail-order service, a private party or the Internet are possible sources for buying saxophones. The main aspects to be considered are the quality, service, price and the model. The Internet is a good place to find information about saxophones, but it is a good idea to test a few of them before buying.
Saxophones provides detailed information about saxophones, jazz saxophones, soprano saxophones, alto saxophones and more. Saxophones is the sister site of Violins Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely
The History of The Saxophone
By Mantius Cazaubon
The saxophone was invented by a Belgian, Antoine Joseph (Adolphe) Sax in 1841 while he was in Brussels. Sax, an expert musician, became aware of the tonal disparity between strings and woodwinds, as well as brasses and winds. He noticed that the woodwinds were being overpowered by the brasses, and the strings were being overpowered by the winds.
He wanted to create an instrument that would bridge the gap between these three instrument sections. Sax combined the body of a brass instrument and the mouthpiece of a woodwind instrument, and the saxophone was born. The brass was later replaced by metal. The instrument has a wide conical bore, a slightly flared bell, and a beaked mouthpiece similar to that of a clarinet. It is played with a single reed.
In 1845 the saxophone was introduced into French military bands. Until then these bands used oboes, bassoons, and french horns. Before 1845 the saxophone was scored for orchestra and opera, particularly in France.
Adolphe Sax patented the saxophone in France on June 28, 1846. The patent was for a period of fifteen years. The patent covered two groups of instruments with a total of 14. They were the E flat sopranino, F sopranino, B flat soprano, C soprano, E flat alto, F alto, B flat tenor, C tenor, E flat baritone, B flat bass, C bass, E flat contrabass, and F contrabass.
Each instrument was of a different size. One group of seven was pitched alternatively in F and C, for orchestral use. The other group of seven was pitched in E-Flat and B-Flat for military band use. Saxophones are transposing instruments, which means that you do not play the notes exactly as they are written. Instead, you must transpose them. The only exception is the orchestral soprano in C.
On February 14, 1847, a saxophone school was created in Paris. It was set up at a military band school called Gymnase Musical.
In 1858, Adolphe Sax became a professor at the Paris Conservatory.
When Sax's patent expired in 1866, the Millereau Co. patented the saxophone featuring a forked F# key.
In 1875, Goumas patented the saxophone with a fingering similar to the clarinet's Boehm system.
Sax extended his original patent in 1881 and made various changes to the instrument. This included lengthening the bell to include B-flat and A, and extending the range of the saxophone to F# and G using the fourth octave key.
The first saxophone was built in the US by Gus Buesher in 1885.
In 1886, right hand C trill key was introduced and half-hole system for the first fingers of both hands.
Adolphe Sax died in 1894, and his son, Adolphe Edouard, took over the business.
The saxophone was originally designed to have a smooth, mellow and balanced tone. But the instrument just could not compete with the blaring trumpets, loud drums, noisy feet, and shouting that was typical of the surroundings of twentieth century dance bands.
As a result it had to be altered. A smaller, more parallel mouthpiece was designed and this resulted in a much needed loud, obnoxious sound, perfect for jazz and dance music.
Many of the saxophones invented by Adolphe Sax have become obsolete. The five popular ones of today are the bass, baritone, tenor, alto and soprano saxophone, with the alto and tenor being the most popular. Today, saxophone music is enjoyed by people everywhere and has become part of almost every genre of music.
Mantius Cazaubon is a successful author and publisher of The Saxophone.com. A resource for information on the entire saxophone family.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mantius_Cazaubon
The saxophone was invented by a Belgian, Antoine Joseph (Adolphe) Sax in 1841 while he was in Brussels. Sax, an expert musician, became aware of the tonal disparity between strings and woodwinds, as well as brasses and winds. He noticed that the woodwinds were being overpowered by the brasses, and the strings were being overpowered by the winds.
He wanted to create an instrument that would bridge the gap between these three instrument sections. Sax combined the body of a brass instrument and the mouthpiece of a woodwind instrument, and the saxophone was born. The brass was later replaced by metal. The instrument has a wide conical bore, a slightly flared bell, and a beaked mouthpiece similar to that of a clarinet. It is played with a single reed.
In 1845 the saxophone was introduced into French military bands. Until then these bands used oboes, bassoons, and french horns. Before 1845 the saxophone was scored for orchestra and opera, particularly in France.
Adolphe Sax patented the saxophone in France on June 28, 1846. The patent was for a period of fifteen years. The patent covered two groups of instruments with a total of 14. They were the E flat sopranino, F sopranino, B flat soprano, C soprano, E flat alto, F alto, B flat tenor, C tenor, E flat baritone, B flat bass, C bass, E flat contrabass, and F contrabass.
Each instrument was of a different size. One group of seven was pitched alternatively in F and C, for orchestral use. The other group of seven was pitched in E-Flat and B-Flat for military band use. Saxophones are transposing instruments, which means that you do not play the notes exactly as they are written. Instead, you must transpose them. The only exception is the orchestral soprano in C.
On February 14, 1847, a saxophone school was created in Paris. It was set up at a military band school called Gymnase Musical.
In 1858, Adolphe Sax became a professor at the Paris Conservatory.
When Sax's patent expired in 1866, the Millereau Co. patented the saxophone featuring a forked F# key.
In 1875, Goumas patented the saxophone with a fingering similar to the clarinet's Boehm system.
Sax extended his original patent in 1881 and made various changes to the instrument. This included lengthening the bell to include B-flat and A, and extending the range of the saxophone to F# and G using the fourth octave key.
The first saxophone was built in the US by Gus Buesher in 1885.
In 1886, right hand C trill key was introduced and half-hole system for the first fingers of both hands.
Adolphe Sax died in 1894, and his son, Adolphe Edouard, took over the business.
The saxophone was originally designed to have a smooth, mellow and balanced tone. But the instrument just could not compete with the blaring trumpets, loud drums, noisy feet, and shouting that was typical of the surroundings of twentieth century dance bands.
As a result it had to be altered. A smaller, more parallel mouthpiece was designed and this resulted in a much needed loud, obnoxious sound, perfect for jazz and dance music.
Many of the saxophones invented by Adolphe Sax have become obsolete. The five popular ones of today are the bass, baritone, tenor, alto and soprano saxophone, with the alto and tenor being the most popular. Today, saxophone music is enjoyed by people everywhere and has become part of almost every genre of music.
Mantius Cazaubon is a successful author and publisher of The Saxophone.com. A resource for information on the entire saxophone family.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mantius_Cazaubon
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