The romantic sound of melodies with the saxophone is achieved through the harmonious interaction of the tongue, lips, breath, fingers and posture of the performer. For those who are fascinated by this instrument, it will be interesting to get to know it better. Further in the article we will learn all the details about the saxophone.
Historical reference
This is an instrument that was invented back in 1842 in Belgium by a musician named Adolphe Sax, whose name, in fact, served as the name for his brainchild. But it was not the idea of the inventor himself, but of his friend - French composer
His articles, in which he pointed out the advantages of the novelty, literally advertised the saxophone. The beautiful instrument was presented to the public in detail. This could not but lead to his instant popularity among the most famous composers of that time. However, here the story does not complete its story about the saxophone (this would be a very big loss for the modern chronicle).
The instrument acquired special honor at the beginning of the 20th century, when jazz began to emerge on the streets of America.
Even the creator of the saxophone himself could not imagine such incredible success- the instrument became widespread almost 200 years after its invention. However, despite rich history saxophone, it can be seen that its general structure has remained unchanged since its inception.
Saxophone is...
Saxophone - a word that consists of the following phrase: sax - the name of the musician-inventor, phone - sound. This instrument is officially considered a woodwind instrument and belongs to the wooden ones according to the principle of sound production, although it is never made of wood.
Its inventor, Adolphe Sax, called his first designed offspring "mouthpiece ophicleid", and Berlioz later changed compound name to something simpler and more pleasing to the ear.
From the middle of the 19th century, the saxophone, whose music began to appear more often in brass bands (much less often in symphony ones, and solo parts were not practiced at all), began to gradually and confidently emerge from the shadow of other popular instruments. We can say that its distribution occurred in leaps and bounds in close dependence on cultural movements.
The saxophone is the main instrument of jazz and its derivatives, and is also often found in pop music.
It has a powerful and full sound, great technical mobility and a melodious timbre.
Beautiful music with a saxophone can stir up in a person memories of all the good things that happened to him in life, touch the strings of the soul and revive a whole ocean of extinct emotions.
Saxophone device
The tool is a conical tube, which is usually made of special alloys: pakfong (an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel), tompak (an alloy of zinc and copper), and brass. The compact shape of the saxophone tube is achieved due to the curvature in the form of a chibouk. Sopranos and sopraninos (higher varieties of the instrument) are of short length and usually do not flex. Modern manufacturers usually produce straight bass saxophones and curved sopranos (however, this is most likely for experimental purposes).
The saxophone, the sheet music for which is widely available, traditionally consists of three parts: the body, the bell and the “esa” (a thin tube that is a continuation of the body). A mouthpiece is placed on a thin tube. Its structure resembles the structure of a clarinet mouthpiece: it has a beak-like shape, is made of plastic or black ebonite, in tenor and lower varieties it can be made of metal.
The variety of directions and genres (songs for saxophone can be written both for pop and orchestras, and for solo parts) led to the emergence a large number options for the structure of the mouthpiece, depending on the desired sound.
Mouthpieces are distinguished by the following parameters:
- openness (that is, the distance from the end of the reed to the top edge of the mouthpiece);
- notch length (that is, the length of the free part that is pressed against the mouthpiece).
Classical performances require the use of closed mouthpieces, while other genres are fine with more open versions.
The reed (or tongue), the structure of which is similar to the reed of a clarinet, plays the role of a sound-forming element. For its manufacture, reeds are usually used, but some models are also made from synthetic materials. Reeds can be of different sizes, depending on the type of instrument.
The reed is attached to the mouthpiece using a special device - a ligature (a small clamp with two screws). For the classical saxophone, it is made of metal, and in jazz and other musical genres rather, a leather ligature is welcome, which gives the reed a freer swing.
To protect the reed from accidental damage, a special plastic or metal cap is used, which is put on the mouthpiece if the saxophone is not used for a long time.
The instrument in question has a complex system of valves that close and open holes on its body. The number of valves can vary from 19 to 22, according to the type of saxophone.
Saxophone family, varieties
In general, Sachs designed 14 varieties of instrument, but in currently only 7 of them are used.
Of the presented varieties, only three are widely used. These include alto, tenor and soprano saxophones. This is a kind of saxophone trio, which is used in jazz and classical music. The use of baritone jazz is noted mainly in jazz, in its derivatives and related genres.
The range of the saxophone is made up of three registers: low, medium and high. It covers two and a half octaves. Some contemporary writings are characterized by the use of a "falsetto" register (which is considered higher than the high one), achieved through special fingering, which is used to obtain "harmonic" harmonic sounds.
Alto saxophone
Is the most popular view saxophone. Brings zest to classical works, and is also an unparalleled ruler contemporary jazz. This saxophone has a wide sound range: it includes low, medium and high registers.
The instrument has been used by musicians such as Paul Desmond and Charlie Parker.
tenor saxophone
Able to produce a deeper and richer sound, in comparison with alto and soprano. He received his recognition thanks to the juicy, husky and such a cozy timbre. Among jazz performers, it competes in popularity with viola.
Those who already know how to play the clarinet can easily master playing this type of saxophone, because, in fact, these two instruments differ in a similar principle of operation.
soprano saxophone
If a person is not particularly versed in music, he usually confuses it with the clarinet. The reason for this confusion is the small shape and size of the tool compared to previous versions. While the tenor and alto saxophones are S-shaped, the soprano saxophone is a straight body without a curved tube. In terms of sound, the instrument is the most expressive and noble type of saxophone.
Playing the saxophone - how to master?
The instrument is quite capricious: its sound goes against the notes. This means that it sounds an interval higher or lower, in accordance with its system. Therefore, you can play the saxophone only if you have confident basic knowledge in musical area. Having passed special education, a person can directly start playing the instrument.
Features on the saxophone
To play this musical instrument while standing, you need to stand as evenly as possible, trying to line up your torso in one line. At the same time, the chest and shoulders of the musician should be relaxed. Air should freely “tour” into the lungs and freely exit back.
In the sitting position, it is necessary to hold the saxophone slightly obliquely - this will allow the extreme bend to rest on the right thigh of the performer. It is best not to lean on the back of a chair, as this can lead to difficulty breathing.
Those who are trying to comprehend the laws of playing the saxophone need to familiarize themselves with an important concept called "embouchure" (with French- "put to the mouth"). This concept encompasses the correct functioning of the labial and facial muscles in contact with the mouthpiece.
When playing, the lower lip is inside the mouthpiece and is a support for the reed: the teeth clamp the cut of the mouthpiece, and it is tightly pressed to its edge. upper lip which makes it impossible for precious air to escape.
As practice shows, it is far from being so simple - to make your fingers run freely and easily over the keys, while observing well-coordinated work respiratory system and ear cushion. At first, a saxophone fingering table can come to the rescue of a musician.
Can perfection be achieved?
The fact is that everyone has an ideal technique for playing the saxophone. professional musician turns out to be unique. As experts say, the experiment is the road to the future. Don't be afraid to experiment.
It is necessary to develop your own breathing pattern and the optimal operation of the embouchure, as well as to find the desired body position. All this can only be achieved through years of long and hard practice.
The moment of extracting the sound, called the attack, is of three types. The attack is soft, hard and auxiliary, depending on the force with which the tongue is retracted from the mouthpiece during performance. Saxophonists help themselves by imitating various syllables as they play.
Now we have found out that playing an instrument requires not only certain knowledge, but also constant work. But this is really a worthwhile thing, because it is the melodies with this instrument that are called delight for the soul. The saxophone is a receptacle for a variety of feelings that make a person feel alive and, at the same time, vulnerable and romantic.
The history of the saxophone, an iconic symbol of jazz music, is not lost to the ages like the origin of many other musical instruments. The first saxophone was created by a Belgian music master Adolf Sax in 1842, and the invention was patented four years later.
Initially, the name of the instrument was dissonant - "mouthpiece ophicleid", but a few years later, a talented composer and journalist proposed a brighter version of the name of the instrument, which conquered the whole music world, - "saxophone". Being a close friend of the inventor, Berlioz devoted several articles to the new instrument, and helped the saxophone gain its first fame. In addition, Berlioz became the first composer to write a work with the participation of the saxophone - a chorale for voice and six wind instruments.
Berlioz's "PR" and the possibilities of the instrument have borne fruit - in a decade he becomes a full member brass band, occasionally used in symphonic compositions. But the 20th century and the emergence of jazz music become triumphant for the saxophone.
According to the classification, the instrument is a kind of “trap for losers”: having no wooden parts, the saxophone belongs to the group of woodwind instruments.
The saxophone is a conical tube made of special alloys (tompac, an alloy of copper and zinc, or pakfong, an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel). For compactness, the saxophone tube is usually curved. The main components: bell, body, "eska" (a thin tube - a continuation of the body).
A mouthpiece made of black ebonite or plastic (sometimes metal) is mounted on the esque, designed like a clarinet mouthpiece. Depending on the musical direction and parties in the work, different mouthpieces can be used, differing in size and length of the notch.
The sound-producing element of the saxophone is the reed, or reed, which is also similar to the reed of the clarinet. A cane is made from reeds or synthetic materials. The reed is attached to the mouthpiece with a ligature - a special device, which is a collar with two screws.
The tool has a complex system of valves that close (open) the holes in the body. The number of valves varies from 19 to 22 depending on the type of instrument.
Saxophone family
Adolf Sachs designed fourteen models of the instrument. There are currently seven main models of the saxophone family in use:
In addition to the varieties indicated in the table, there are piccolo saxophone (soprillo), subcontrabass saxophone and others, but they are produced in single copies and are not widely used in music.
Soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones are most often used in music:
Almost all saxophones are transposing instruments, i.e. the notes played on the instrument are different from those written. Modern saxophones are divided according to the system, and, accordingly, according to transposition into two groups: in Es (when playing the note C, you will hear mi flat) and in B (when you play the note C, you will sound c flat).
The range of the saxophone covers two and a half octaves and has three registers: low, medium and high. In some modern compositions a "false" register is used, which makes it possible to achieve "harmonic" harmonic sounds.
Saxophone and Jazz
We will not belittle the role of the saxophone in classical music, the instrument is indeed often used in opera compositions, almost no brass band can do without it. But the saxophone gained truly worldwide popularity in jazz music.
The specific sound of the instrument expressive possibilities, potential for improvisation best suited for new musical style originated in the United States in late XIX century. By 1920, the States, in the words of one of music critics, was struck by "saxophonomania". I was struck by both the speed of the spread of the tool and the scale of tool production. 
In the 30s of the XX century, jazz orchestras (big bands) came into fashion, in which the saxophone group became an obligatory part. Typically, a big band would have five saxophones (two alto, two tenor, and one baritone), although numbers could vary, with one of the saxophonists also occasionally playing clarinet, flute, or more. high variety saxophone (soprano or sopranino). In modern jazz music, the saxophone continues to play a leading role.
Prominent saxophonists of the XX-XXI include Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, Ben Webster, Paul Desmond, Ornette Coleman, Jerry Mulligan, Branford Marsalis, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Bud Shenk, Phil Woods and many other great performers.
Jazz music in Russia is also represented by a whole galaxy of excellent saxophonists, it is enough to recall such names as Igor Butman, Georgy Garanyan, David Goloshchekin.
This truly soulful tool will touch even the most callous heart. You can recognize the sound of a saxophone from a thousand. It is his "voice" that is often heard at many romantic events, for example, at the sacrament of marriage. Also, the saxophone fits well into many jazz compositions, where it becomes sharp and provocative.
Who Invented the Saxophone?
The Belgian instrumental master is considered the inventor of this soulful musical instrument. French descent- Adolf Sax. All his life he dreamed of giving a chance to be an instrument that would become something between wooden and musical brass notes. A device that could combine these two timbres would fit perfectly, according to the inventor, into the orchestra of the French military forces. The answer to the question "in what year saxophone invented”many give not quite exactly, but it is known that the birth of the saxophone took place at the beginning of 1842. The patent was established 4 years after the invention. According to the story of how Sachs invented the saxophone, he sat at home and, putting the mouthpiece from the clarinet to the ophicled, made an attempt to play, from the very first notes the guy fell in love with this sound. From that moment, it occurred to him to name such an instrument in his honor. The then popular composer and journalist, having heard the amazing sound of the saxophone, was very surprised. A few months later, the journalist wrote an article about this musical instrument.
So the fame of the saxophone spread throughout Europe, and reached our lands. The collaboration between Sachs and Berlioz did not end there. Famous composer composed the first part for a musical invention. After the premiere of the saxophone, not alone famous author wished that his sound was inscribed in their works.
Saxophone sound
The sound of this wonderful musical instrument is described by many of the most beautiful words: it is unsurpassed, bewitching, magical, bewitching and at the same time very gentle.
The timbre of the saxophone is able to touch to the depths of the soul from the very first notes, and its sound is impossible not to recognize. Playing the saxophone requires virtuoso skills, not everyone can play it. And the one who decides to connect his life with playing the saxophone is simply obliged to love music, live it and master the instrument perfectly
What is a saxophone made of? Its types
The one who invented the saxophone is mentioned more often today than his achievement. And that's right. However, the tool itself deserves no less attention. Since the birth of the saxophone, its author has developed fourteen types. But over time, it became clear that only eight of them are the most popular. And four species are simply swept away from the hands of the author with lightning speed. These instruments have a very juicy sound and extraordinary technique.
This musical instrument is a conical tube. It is usually made from a special alloy of copper, zinc and nickel. The author of the saxophone further improved his creation and gave some types a more compact form. The saxophone has become more comfortable to use thanks to the curved base. The saxophone, which has many varieties, can be even. The tool consists of three parts: the body (base), the bell and the esque. Eski is a tube that is an extension of the body of the saxophone. The mouthpiece is placed on this part. It is shaped like a bird's beak and is made of ebonite. Sometimes manufacturers use high-quality plastic. Rarely metal. The reed is responsible for the formation of a specific sound in the saxophone. It, in turn, can be reed, bamboo or made from reeds. This part of the saxophone is attached to the instrument with a typewriter (ligature). It looks like a small bundle with a pair of screws on the sides. The one who invented the saxophone, namely Adolf Sax, did not forget about the beautiful appearance tool. Today it is made according to the technology of the first author, complemented by beautiful shades and patterns.
Saxophone in today's world
To date, the saxophone is unusually popular and is considered one of the main instruments in many brass bands. Few connoisseurs contemporary music, including pop, rock, rock and roll, knows that the saxophone is involved in these modern directions. Not last place this wind instrument also occupies in symphony orchestras.
Briefly about the further fate of Sachs
Sachs, after reaching the peak of his career, decides to stay in Paris. Many were not happy that a famous inventor would live on their land - the one who invented the saxophone. However, Sachs' friends supported him. The ill-wishers turned out to be competitors - local craftsmen. They, as it turned out later, envied the talent of Sachs and his friend Berlioz. Adolf Sachs, by virtue of his wisdom, does not pay attention to evil rumors and opens his own business for the production of wind musical instruments. His works are in great demand, and orders come from many countries around the world. The saxophone continues to be popular, each time reminding of the great man who made a great investment in the history of music, who invented the saxophone and forever remained in the memory of many.
The history of the creation of the saxophone begins in the 19th century. This musical instrument was invented by the Belgian Adolf Sachs in 1840. Therefore, its name came from the name of the creator - "Sax" and Greek. "phone" means sound.
The first models of the saxophone had two separate octave valves, 3 side valves for the left hand, one valve for right hand and additional valve forefinger left hand, thanks to which it was possible to extend the upper limit of the range to F of the 3rd octave. Sax's instruments had lower registers limited to B-flat small octaves by notation.
In 1880, an attempt was made by the inventor to expand the lower limit of the range. Due to the fact that he somewhat lengthened the bell, the model of the alto saxophone he designed began to have a lower sound in A small octave.
The French firm "Lecomte" in 1890 makes a serious design change - its invention is the double octave valve system, which improved the technical mobility of the saxophone. And the addition of the E-flat side valve of the 3rd octave is a joint work of the then-famous virtuoso saxophonist and clarinetist E. Lefebvre and the American company Conn. And today, work on the technical improvement of the saxophone does not stop. Manufacturers are constantly innovating, for example, "top fingering" valves have been added.
Although a metal saxophone is made, it is still classified as a woodwind instrument (such as the oboe, clarinet, flute). The history of the creation of the saxophone notes that it was originally used exclusively in military bands. Then his "voice" increasingly began to sound in symphony and even opera orchestras.
Soloist saxophone, for example, in "Bolero" by Ravel. But in symphony orchestra he never managed to become a full member. But its melodic vibrating sound is well known to everyone who is fond of jazz music, since in variety orchestras, the saxophone is an obligatory participant!
Like singing voices types of saxophones are sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass. It's simple, from high to low. The most popular in our time are soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. Let's consider everything in order:
sopranino
In the family of saxophones, the highest, has an expressive and bright sound, reminiscent of the sound of a small clarinet, but still has a softer tone of sound, in which there is not a drop of harshness. It is very melodious, and well suited for lyrical compositions.
Soprano
In the lower and middle register, the timbre is similar to English horn, in the upper and higher it resembles a cornet, but with a slightly different shade. The soprano is characterized by a bright and melodious sound, well suited for both classical and pop music, jazz. But best of all, cantilena melodies are performed on the soprano saxophone, it is very melodious and is able to move any listener.
Technical indicators are very high, you can afford a lot.
Alto
One of the coolest members of the family is the viola. richness of sound different colors timbre. He can be safely called the best soloist of symphonic, jazz, variety orchestra and any ensembles. Many composers choose the viola to perform both complex technical passages and cantilena melodies.
The middle register is reminiscent of human voice, and when the dynamics of sound are enhanced, the character of the instrument changes to expressive and dramatic. And the sounds of the upper register are characterized by piercing, brightness and brilliance. The upper register is very tense and noisy.
Tenor
The tenor, like his brother viola, is successful both in solo and in orchestral and ensemble music. The sound of the tenor is juicy, full, he can do everything, both cry and have fun, as he has high technical abilities. Very common for restaurant music.
Baritone
The baritone is strong! has a powerful and thick sonority, especially in the middle and lower registers. And its upper case does not sound very expressive, as if squeezed. The baritone is more often used in orchestras, ensembles for powerful support with low, strong sounds, but you can also see a lot of solo good performers. Very well listened to in jazz music. Technical abilities are not significantly behind the brothers, he will be able to master even heavy passages.
Bass
The bass saxophone sounds voluminous and rich in the middle and lower registers, in the upper it is very compressed and hoarse, which is also interesting. Such an instrument is used extremely rarely, unlike the baritone. Technical capabilities are limited.
Here they are, all types of saxophones, the most popular of them: alto, tenor, and baritone and soprano are used mainly in jazz bands or orchestras, and few have met bass and sopranino. Wish creative success and fulfillment of desires.
Antoine Joseph Sax (under the pseudonym Adolf Sax) was born on November 6, 1814. V small town Belgium - Dinan, in the family famous master wind instruments. His father, Charles Joseph Sacks, was a professional...
The mouthpiece for the saxophone is the most important detail the whole structure. A reed is attached to it, which creates vibrations and sends sound into the body of the instrument. In other words, the mouthpiece can be called "heart...
