Fact Finder - Music

Fact
The Saxophone: The Orchestral Outcast
Category
Music
Subcategory
Music Styles and Instruments
Country
Belgium
Description
The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax, who wanted to create an instrument that combined the projection of a brass instrument with the agility of a woodwind. Although it is made of brass, it is classified as a woodwind because it uses a single reed to produce sound. Adolphe Sax originally intended it for use in symphony orchestras, but classical composers were slow to adopt it. Instead, it became a staple of military bands and, later, the defining voice of Jazz. There are eight members of the saxophone family, but the most common are the Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Baritone.