Manufacturers

Saxophone family

Published : 2015-05-04 16:36:23
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The saxophone family designed by Adolphe Sax included 14 different sizes in the 19th century.
There are only 7 left to be used at the moment:


Saxophone sopranino, en Mi b Sopranino saxophone, in Eb

It's the highest of all the family. The sopranino is quite rare, used only as a quintet or other set of saxophones. Its bad reputation is most certainly linked to a accuracy that is difficult to obtain.


Saxophone soprano en Si bSoprano saxophone in Bb

The saxophone soprano is similar to the clarinet in some registers and reminds us, in the lower sounds, of the timbre of the English horn. It is the "First Violin" of the saxophone quartet, and is used in harmony orchestras.
Range

      • Normal register: lab3 to f6 or 2 octaves : lab3 to f6 or 2 octaves ,6th major
      • High register: f#6 to c7, one more just 5te
      • Total register: lab3 to do7, i. e. 3 octaves ,3ce major

Saxophone alto en Mi b
Viola saxophone in Eb

The saxophone Alto is the most commonly used, and also the one that usually starts the study of the instrument.
The Arlesienne de Bizet made him appear as a soloist.
It is also very often played by some great jazz musicians, such as Charlie Parker.

Range

        • Normal register: réb3 to a5, i.e. 2 octaves ,6th minor.
        • High register: Bb5 to Lab6, one more major 7th
        • Total register: réb3 to lab6, i.e. 3 octaves ,5te just

    Saxophone ténor en Si b
    Tenor saxophone in Bb

    The saxophone tenor undoubtedly the ultimate jazz saxophone. Coleman Hawkins was one of the first soloists to give him the prominent place he holds today. We also know the superb songs of Stan Getz He is also a soloist in Ravel's Bolero, and plays a very important role in the harmony orchestra

    Range

        • Normal register: lab2 to mid5, i.e. 2 octaves ,minor 6th.
        • High register: f5 to mid6, one more 8ve
        • Total register: lab2 to mid6, i.e. 3 octaves ,minor 6th

    Saxophone baryton en Mi b
    Baritone saxophone in Eb

    The saxophone Baritone sounds at the low octave of the alto saxophone and frequently replaces the cello in transcriptions for harmony orchestra. Although it is much less used in jazz than the tenor, it is still important to note that Gerry Mulligan has always demonstrated the great possibilities of this instrument. Its place in the saxophone quartet also corresponds to one of its main uses

    Range

        • Normal register: do2 to a4, i.e. 2 octaves ,6th major.
        • High register: Bb4 to B5, i.e. an 8ve /2de major more
        • Total register: do2 to si5, i.e. 3 octaves ,7th major

    Saxophone basse, en Si b
    Bass saxophone, in Bb

    The saxophone Bass an octave below the tenor saxophone Little used because it is very bulky and heavy, it nevertheless retains its place in harmonies and saxophone ensembles. If its range is comparable to the Baritone, its timbre sounds more "natural"

    Range

        • Normal register: lab1 to réb4, i. e. 2 octaves ,4te
        • High register: re4 to mib5, one more 8ve
        • Total register: lab1 to mib5, i.e. 3 octaves ,5te just



    Double bass saxophone, rare, in Eb

    It sounds at the low octave of the baritone saxophone, and is rarely used.

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