The E♭ Soprano Saxophone
Although little used today, the E♭saxophone
soprano is increasingly in demand in jazz
and contemporary music. It must be
noted, however, that the accuracy and
precision required to play this delicate
instrument demands great dexterity.
Nevertheless, it has found a home within
various saxophones ensembles and concert bands.
(Parsons)
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
soprano is increasingly in demand in jazz
and contemporary music. It must be
noted, however, that the accuracy and
precision required to play this delicate
instrument demands great dexterity.
Nevertheless, it has found a home within
various saxophones ensembles and concert bands.
(Parsons)
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
B♭ Soprano Saxophone
Although curved sopranos also exist, the shape more commonly resembles the straight body of the clarinet. Its tone evokes that of the oboe, while its low register resembles the timbre of the English horn. In the saxophone quartet, it holds the role of first violin. Sydney Bechet introduced it into the United States upon his return from London in 1919. (Parsons)
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
E♭ Alto Saxophone
The alto saxophone (alto sax) is the most common type of saxophone. It is bigger than the soprano saxophone, but smaller than the tenor saxophone. Its pitch is set in E♭. It is used in many different types of music such as concert bands, military bands, marching bands, and jazz.
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
B♭ Tenor Saxophone
Along with the alto sax, the tenor saxophone is
one of the most common saxophones. The
tenor saxophone is most commonly used in
jazz, marching bands, military bands, and
concert bands. The tenor saxophone is
larger than the alto sax but smaller than the
baritone sax.
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
one of the most common saxophones. The
tenor saxophone is most commonly used in
jazz, marching bands, military bands, and
concert bands. The tenor saxophone is
larger than the alto sax but smaller than the
baritone sax.
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
E♭ Baritone Saxophone
The deep and warm tones of the E♭
baritone saxophone provides a sound
close to the cello and is even comparable to the human voice. But the baritone sax not only provides the bass voice of a quartet, it also constitutes the harmonic and rhythmic pulse of any group. (Parsons)
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
baritone saxophone provides a sound
close to the cello and is even comparable to the human voice. But the baritone sax not only provides the bass voice of a quartet, it also constitutes the harmonic and rhythmic pulse of any group. (Parsons)
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
B♭ Bass Saxophone
The size, weight and cost of the B♭ bass
saxophone limit its presence within groups. It
always provides an efficient basis in wind sections
and various ensembles. Today, it is more and more
integrated into jazz and attracts composers of
contemporary and improvised music. (Parsons)
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
saxophone limit its presence within groups. It
always provides an efficient basis in wind sections
and various ensembles. Today, it is more and more
integrated into jazz and attracts composers of
contemporary and improvised music. (Parsons)
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
E♭ Contrabass Saxophone
The saxophone double bass in E♭ is very seldom used today.
Despite its ability to give off impressively deep sounds, its
repertoire is practically non-existent. Few examples are in
circulation, and its development has been rarely thoroughly
studied. (Parsons)
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]
Despite its ability to give off impressively deep sounds, its
repertoire is practically non-existent. Few examples are in
circulation, and its development has been rarely thoroughly
studied. (Parsons)
[Click instrument to hear a musical example]