Soprano saxophone
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| Woodwind instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Single-reed |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 422.212-71 (Single-reed aerophone with keys) |
| Inventor(s) | Adolphe Sax |
| Developed | 1840s |
| Playing range | |
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In B♭: sounds a major second lower than written.  | |
| Related instruments | |
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Sizes:
Orchestral saxophones: Specialty saxophones: | |
| Musicians | |
| See list of saxophonists | |
The soprano saxophone is a variety of the saxophone, a woodwind instrument, invented in 1840. The soprano is the third smallest member of the saxophone family, which consists (from smallest to largest) of the soprillo, sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass, contrabass and sub-contrabass.
A transposing instrument pitched in the key of B♭, modern soprano saxophones with a high F# key have a range from A♭3 to E6 and are therefore pitched one octave above the tenor saxophone. Some saxophones have additional keys, allowing them to play an additional F♯ and G at the top of the range. These extra keys are commonly found on more modern saxophones. Additionally, skilled players can make use of the Altissimo register, which allows them to play even higher. There is also a soprano pitched in C, which is less common and until recently had not been made since around 1940.
The soprano saxophone can be compared to the B♭ clarinet. Although the clarinet can play a diminshed fifth lower and over a fifth higher, the sax generally has a louder and more penetrating sound in the extreme high notes.[vague] Due to the smaller bore of the soprano, it is less forgiving with respect to intonation, though an experienced player will use alternate fingerings or vary breath support, tongue position, or embouchure to compensate. Professional players will use the technique of voicing to fix problems with intonation. Due to its similarity in tone to the oboe, the soprano saxophone is sometimes used as a substitute for it.
Soprano saxophones are usually straight, but sometimes have slightly or fully curved necks and bells. The fully curved variety looks much like a small alto saxophone with a straighter crook. There is some debate over the effect of the straight and curved neck, with some players believing that a curved neck on a soprano gives it a warmer, less nasal tone. The soprano has all of the keys on other saxophone models (with the exception of the extra 'A' on some baritones) and some (e.g. those made by Yanagisawa, Selmer, and Yamaha) may have a top 'G' key next to the F-sharp key.
Soprano saxophone mouthpieces are available in various designs, allowing players to tailor their tone as required.
In 2001, François Louis created the aulochrome, a new woodwind instrument that is made of two soprano saxophones joined together, which can be played either in unison or in harmony.[citation needed]
Known practitioners
Musicians especially known for playing the soprano saxophone include classical saxophonists Eugene Rousseau, Kenneth Tse, and Jean-Yves Fourmeau. Jazz saxophonists John Coltrane (most notably on the landmark album My Favorite Things), Walter Parazaider, Sidney Bechet, Bob Berg, Wayne Shorter, Joe Farrell, Steve Lacy, Joe Giardullo, Lucky Thompson, Sonny Fortune, Anthony Braxton, Gary Bartz, Dan Forshaw, Bennie Maupin, Branford Marsalis, Kirk Whalum, Jan Garbarek, Danny Markovitch of Marbin, Paul Winter, Dave Liebman, Evan Parker, Sam Newsome. Smooth jazz saxophonists Kenny G, Jay Beckenstein, Dave Koz, Grover Washington, Jr.; and Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Fela Kuti. Captain Beefheart also played soprano sax on many of his records.
In classical music
The soprano saxophone is mainly used as a solo instrument in classical music, though it is occasionally used as a member of an orchestra or concert band. It is included in the saxophone quartet and plays a lead role. Many solo pieces have been written for it by composers such as Heitor Villa-Lobos, Jennifer Higdon, Takashi Yoshimatsu, and John Mackey.
As an orchestral member, it has been used in several compositions. It was used by Richard Strauss in his Sinfonia Domestica, where included in the music are parts for four saxophones, including a soprano saxophone in C. It is also used in Maurice Ravel's "Bolero" and has a featured solo directly following the tenor saxophone's solo.
Gallery
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Comparison in size of a curved B♭ soprano saxophone (centre), an E♭ alto saxophone (left), and a B♭ tenor saxophone (right). -
Top to bottom: a curved E♭ sopranino saxophone, a straight E♭ sopranino saxophone, a C soprano saxophone, and a B♭ soprano saxophone. -
B♭ soprano saxophone (left), C soprano saxophone (center), E♭ sopranino saxophone (right). -
A tenor and soprano saxophone (on the right) made from phosphor bronze, showing their comparative sizes.
