Alto Saxophone Research Paper
Alto Saxophone Versus Tenor Saxophone
Being a part of band for eight years playing the E-flat alto as my main instrument and dabbling with the B-flat tenor saxophone, I learned that even with its similar look and playing techniques, there is a few key differences that differentiate them. The two saxophones, almost identical in looks, are both part of the woodwind section of instruments, created by Aldophe Sax in the 1800's, and classified as middle tone ranged with identical fingerings. Yet when played, the two saxophones sound very different.
First, the saxophones look identical, but the alto weighs an average of five pounds whereas the tenor comes in at seven pounds. The alto has a much smaller neck piece and key holes, so when played the air has a much shorter space to travel through, producing warm …show more content…
For instance, the classical orchestral piece, “Second Suite, Movement 3” you’ll see that the alto sax has the lead. The song begins with an eight-bar alto solo, and throughout the piece the alto carries the sweet sounding, fast eighth note rhythm melody. On the other hand, the tenor throughout the song, has a walking bass line rhythm playing quarter notes on each beat in a lower pitched octave, ultimately having the job of being the background tempo keeper. On the contrary, one of the most famous Latin jazz piece, “A Night in Tunisia” showcases the tenor, with the alto in the background. Throughout the whole tune, the tenor leads the band with call-and-response rhythms, and takes the lead with complex harmonic structured melodies. The song then takes a large solo break, featuring the tenor, and then returns to the usual melody. While the alto has a soft, background melody continuously, holding out long tone pitches, and simple rhythms, really letting the tenor shine through. From piece to piece, in all different setups, it’s clear to hear the difference of the alto sax versus the
Being a part of band for eight years playing the E-flat alto as my main instrument and dabbling with the B-flat tenor saxophone, I learned that even with its similar look and playing techniques, there is a few key differences that differentiate them. The two saxophones, almost identical in looks, are both part of the woodwind section of instruments, created by Aldophe Sax in the 1800's, and classified as middle tone ranged with identical fingerings. Yet when played, the two saxophones sound very different.
First, the saxophones look identical, but the alto weighs an average of five pounds whereas the tenor comes in at seven pounds. The alto has a much smaller neck piece and key holes, so when played the air has a much shorter space to travel through, producing warm …show more content…
For instance, the classical orchestral piece, “Second Suite, Movement 3” you’ll see that the alto sax has the lead. The song begins with an eight-bar alto solo, and throughout the piece the alto carries the sweet sounding, fast eighth note rhythm melody. On the other hand, the tenor throughout the song, has a walking bass line rhythm playing quarter notes on each beat in a lower pitched octave, ultimately having the job of being the background tempo keeper. On the contrary, one of the most famous Latin jazz piece, “A Night in Tunisia” showcases the tenor, with the alto in the background. Throughout the whole tune, the tenor leads the band with call-and-response rhythms, and takes the lead with complex harmonic structured melodies. The song then takes a large solo break, featuring the tenor, and then returns to the usual melody. While the alto has a soft, background melody continuously, holding out long tone pitches, and simple rhythms, really letting the tenor shine through. From piece to piece, in all different setups, it’s clear to hear the difference of the alto sax versus the