Innovations and Evolutions of Saxophones

 The history of saxophone music.

Background of the Saxophone: The Saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in the early 1840's. He wanted to create an instrument that had the technical dexterity of the flute and a clarinet and the horn sound like the brass family. He was experimenting with modifications to a brass clarinet when he came up with the protype of a saxophone. The common confusion around the saxophone was explained by saying "It's a woodwind instrument, but it's made from brass?!"

Point A of the Saxophone in the 1840's-1920's: The Saxophone was "conceived" to be a member of the orchestra. A number of composers lent support to the idea so the wrote orchestral pieces to feature the saxophone. The original saxophone has different places for some of the notes and different places where the air is let out. I could not find a video of it being played in the 1840's Suprise Suprise. I did find a video that was taken about 8 years ago. It was very squeaky, but I think that was more because of the person playing it (pressing random tabs) and how old it is. I found another video but this one was a concert (1863); however, I do not know if this recording is from that time, but I do know it's played on an 1861 Adolphe Sax baritone saxophone. As I said before they were meant to be played in an orchestra when they were first made till about 1910. In the 1910's jazz became a thing but the Saxaphone wasn't really part of it. 

Point B of the Saxophone in the 1920's-2000's: The saxophone was not popularized as a jazz instrument until the 1920's and 30's by Coleman Hawkins. He was the first major saxophonist in history of jazz. When Hawkins made the saxophone know for what it brings to jazz it was in every major development in jazz including Charlie Parker with strings- Just Friends. Saxophone's ability is played expressively that it made it perfect for the rhythm and blues bands of the 1940's. That music went on to help influence rock and roll and funk which they would often include a small horn section. In the 70's and 80's they would often give the saxophone a solo as an "instrumental interlude between vocal verses."(Hello Music Theory). 

Macmillan, L. (2022, May 13). A brief history of the saxophone: Its origins and evolution. Hello Music Theory: Learn Music Theory Online. https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/history-of-the-saxophone/

Mary, Fripp, M., & Ceferin, jeannine. (2023, July 12). Saxophone history: From Adolphe Sax to the modern instrument. Jazzfuel. https://jazzfuel.com/saxophone-history/