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Saxophone
Saxophone
The saxophone (or sax for short) was developed by Adolphe Sax (hence the name) in the 1840s, as an instrument which attempted to combine the best elements of both woodwinds and brass instruments. Although usually made of brass, the saxophone is regarded as a woodwind instrument as it requires a reed to produce sound. The saxophone comes in a variety of sizes, from soprano through to baritone, of which the tenor has proved to be the most popular. The soprano is a straight instrument, not curved like the others.
In the 20th century the saxophone acquired iconic status as it became associated with genres outside the classical sphere; in particular, jazz, a style of music the saxophone is now arguably most closely acquainted with. An excellent example of the saxophone in 20th century classical music are Ravel's orchestration of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and Glazunov's Saxophone Concerto.
In the 20th century the saxophone acquired iconic status as it became associated with genres outside the classical sphere; in particular, jazz, a style of music the saxophone is now arguably most closely acquainted with. An excellent example of the saxophone in 20th century classical music are Ravel's orchestration of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and Glazunov's Saxophone Concerto.
