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