Tenor And Baritone Saxophones example essay topic

In the woodwind family of instruments, there is a very unique set of instruments; the saxophones. There are actually six different saxophones in this family: soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, contrabass, and bass saxophone. The saxophone was invented in the late 18th century when composers wanted to fill out their orchestra's with a sound that wasn't quite like a brass instrument, and not exactly a woodwind. Thus, the uniquely sounding saxophone was created. I have had the experience of playing the alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. These three saxophones can be classified by using key signature, size, and tone.

The alto saxophone is used mainly for the melodies of tunes with fast tempos. The alto is in the key of E-Flat, meaning that the alto plays a standard B-flat scale starting on the note of G. The alto's range allows it to play the melodies with instruments like the trumpets and clarinets. The size of the alto is not as small as the soprano, but not as big as the tenor sax. The alto's tone is higher pitched to play like a trumpet with the capability to play like a clarinet.

Likewise, the tenor saxophone can be compared to a few instruments, such as, the trombone and the French horn. The tenor saxophone is in the key of B-flat. The tenor usually has the harmony parts in a composition, but sometimes plays melody when the piece calls for more of a middle range of sound. The tenor plays best in the harmony parts because of its ability to play low and middle range notes very well.

Tenor saxophones are usually paired with the French horn because it has the same type of sound, but has a unique woodwind sound at the same time. Simmons 2 The size of the tenor is a little larger than an alto, but not as big of the baritone, which is the next biggest saxophone in this family. Unlike the alto or tenor, the baritone saxophone has a deep bass sound. Baritone saxophones normally have an accompanying part to the tuba or the euphonium (baritone). Like the alto, the baritone saxophone is in the key of E-flat, but is an entire octave lower. Meaning, a high G on a baritone saxophone would be a middle G on an alto.

The baritone saxophone is used in jazz music a lot because of it's unique "cross over" sound. The size of a baritone sax is huge compared to a soprano or alto. The saxophone is an excellent addition to any orchestra. The different sounds and ranges of the many saxophones add depth and a wide range to the overall sound of an orchestra. The different tones and sizes of saxophones help the saxophone stand out from any other instrument. The different saxophones can be classified by using key signature, size, and tone.

My experience of playing these saxophones has helped me understand the differences, and I hope that I have helped you to understand these as well..