The history of the saxophone
The saxophone is a very misunderstood instrument. When it is mentioned, the typical person thinks of jazz, pop, or rock of the 20th century. The saxophone, although a huge part of the 20th century "radio" genre, was and still is part of the classical repertoire. The instrument itself is very popular, and it is very common to have a wind band with several saxophone players. It is found most often in jazz ensembles. But, the saxophone was invented in 1840, and jazz did not show up until the 20th century. The saxophone was around well before jazz musicians Charlie Parker, Lester Young, and Paul Desmond were alive. So, what was the purpose of the classical saxophone? Where did it come from?Adolphe Sax could not have imagined the popularity of his invention at the time that he patented it. He was born in Dinant, on the Meuse River. This Belgium city was once under French rule. Sax's father was an architect and a musician. He enjoyed tinkering in his father's shop, always trying to build or invent something. His father encouraged this, and without this encouragement, the saxophone may have not been invented until many years later. His first musical experiences were good ones, and being very fluent in woodwinds, he began t
Most of the solo literature of the 19th and early 20th century comprised of fantasias and variations or air varies, usually on opera themes. Most composers were also conductors of military bands, and they composed, arranged and adapted saxophone solos from clarinet or oboe solos, or even from string pieces. Adolphe Sax did this as well, and also promoted original compositions for the sax, to be dedicated to him to be played. Hyacinthe Klose, the professor of clarinet at the Paris Conservatory from 1838 to 1868, was a renown composer of clarinet solos, tutors, and studies. He took interest in the saxophone and also wrote several etudes, solos and one method book, with the help of Mayeur, entitled Universal Method. He also wrote the Methode Complete des Saxophones. He was one of the pioneers of saxophone method, and helped the instrument in many ways. The most accomplished saxophone player of this time was Louis-Adolphe Mayeur. He studied with both Sax and Klose. He was the 1860 first-prize winner of clarinet at the Paris Conservatory. He was saxophone soloist at the Paris Opera from October, 1871 on. He wrote his Grande Methode for saxophone in 1867. This book was later republished, and is still in circulation. Over the years many pieces have been written for the saxophone. There are many saxophone ensemble pieces, such as quartets. There have been concertos with orchestra, wind band, or miscellaneous grouping of other instruments. Today the saxophone is more famous for its use in the jazz and pop area, but we must not forget its roots. Adolphe Sax would be proud of the recognition his instrument has gotten since its invention. I believe that it is one of the most influential instruments since the 19th century. o notice intonation problems with clarinets. He would tinker with them trying to improve on the instr
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Approximate Word count = 1246
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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