The saxophones were at first made from wood, which were flared at the tip of the instrument to create a magnifying musical sound. Apart from the alto saxophone, there are 7 other different sizes ranging from an Eb sopranino to an Eb contrabass saxophone. The saxophone's single reed mouthpiece combined with easy fingering made it similar to a clarinet.
Who created the alto saxophone?
The inventor and designer of the alto saxophone was Belgian inventor and musician Adolphe Sax. Adolphe was born on November 6, 1814 in Dinant, First French Empire (now known as Belgium), and passed away February 7th, 1894, in Paris, France.
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History of saxophonists
At first, the saxophone was turned away by many musicians, liking the clarinet much more. However, the alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone soon became quite popular in music from rock music to jazz bands. One remarkable musician is Charlie Parker (1920 - 1955). If he had lived more than 34 years, who know what great things he would have done. This Kansas City alto saxophone player was one of the most important creators of the post-war jazz revolution known as bebop, which was created in New York during the mid-40s and would shape the aim of the genre for years and years. Parker’s style and immense technique, which combined melodic fluency with chromatic and harmonic inventiveness, was proved extremely influential.