Alto Saxophone - all the details

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Alto Saxophone is a wind musical instrument. It was created in 1842. It was developed by Adolf Sax, a master of musical affairs from Belgium. It is smaller than the tenor saxophone. It is considered the most popular in its family. Widely used in jazz and classical compositions.

History

1840 is considered the date of the creation of the saxophone. Saks is a Belgian craftsman who designed an instrument that later served as a replacement for the bulky copper ophicleide. In 1841, the serpentine metal structure he created with a special valve system was shown at a special exhibition. An important element of the new development was a special mouthpiece for the alto saxophone. 1844 is famous for the first participation of a musical instrument together with other wind instruments in a composition conducted by Hector Berlioz. In December 1844 he became part of an opera orchestra for the first time. In 1845, the alto saxophone finds use in the military band of Paris. In 1870-1871. the outbreak of war caused a decrease in interest in this musical instrument. At the beginning of the 20th century, our hero again begins to gainpopularity, and a new stage in its development is reached. The saxophone today, in today's jazz, is the leading instrument, and gives a deeper sound to classical compositions.

Design

The alto saxophone consists of three main parts - the esque, the body and the bell. Let's consider them in more detail. The mouthpiece is fixed on the esque. The structural features of this element depend on the musical direction for which the named instrument will be used. Saxophone reeds are attached to the mouthpiece with a ligature and serve as sound-producing elements. The size of these elements may vary depending on the type of saxophone. A special protective cap allows you to protect the cane from damage.

Sound

If you write music for the alto saxophone, remember that its tuning is E-flat. This instrument is transposing. Thus, there is a discrepancy between the executed notes and the written ones. Let's take an example. If you play notes for alto saxophone, the sound in C corresponds to E-flat. The range consists of the following registers: high, medium, low. Each has its own characteristics. The sounds that the instrument makes in the middle register are similar to the voice of a person. By increasing the dynamics, the musician can achieve a much more expressive sound that borders on the dramatic. The shrillness of the upper register creates a feeling of tension, which at the same time is not without brilliance and inner extravaganza. Hue can vary from mezzo-forte to loud. In the upper register, a musical instrument generates screaming sounds; they can only be heard in a special dynamics. The music created by our hero is incredibly bright and expressive. He is sometimes able to give the composition the necessary tension, in harmony with other sounds emanating from other instruments of the orchestra.

Famous musicians

Among jazz representatives who have chosen this instrument, Paul Desmond, John Zorn, Phil Woods, Anthony Braxton, David Sanborn, Eric Dolphy, Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Dorsey, Kenny Garrett, Charlie Parker have earned worldwide fame. In the society of performers of classical works, our hero is also popular. In particular, he was preferred by: Eugene Rousseau, Otis Murphy, Arno Bornkamp, Kenneth Tse, Jean-Marie Londe, Larry Teal, Donald Sinta, Frederic Hemke, Lawrence Gwodz, Jean-Yves Fourmeau, Sigurd Rascher, Marcel Muhl. This instrument is used in orchestral and jazz music. A large number of classical concertos have been created for him. We'll talk more about this in the next section.

Through the Ages

Alto saxophone has a huge classical repertoire, which includes solo with piano and orchestra. The most famous are the works of Alexander Glazunov and Jacques Ibert. It was also used in his work by Georges Bizet. In his symphony Domestica, Richard Strauss added a part for 4 saxophones, among them there is also an alto one. In his suites, Dmitri Shostakovich also turned to our hero for help. Sergei Rachmaninoff turned on the violasaxophone in Symphonic Dances. Alban Berg also paid great attention to this instrument, in particular in later orchestral compositions. These include the opera "Lulu" and "Violin Concerto". In some works by George Gershwin, this musical instrument sounds especially bright and organic. Today, in the creation of saxophones, the main positions are assigned to several companies. In particular, KHS/Jupiter, Amati, Yanagisawa, Selmer Paris, Cannonball, Keilwerth, Yamaha, Conn-Selmer, Buffet Crampon. Now you know what an alto saxophone is and what are its features. When choosing a musical instrument, do not buy the most affordable, however, there is no point in spending money on a professional one, especially if you have not yet mastered the basics of handling it. You can choose a saxophone made of ebonite or plastic.