Saxophone
Invented by Belgian-born Adolphe Sax around 1840, the saxophone is usually constructed from brass but employs a reed in the mouthpiece. The instrument thus combines some of the elements of brass and woodwinds. The body of the saxophone is made from brass tubing which tapers conically. Holes in the tube are covered by movable keys which can be operated singly or in groups by the player. The mouthpiece, made of wood in Sax’s day, is fitted with a detachable reed over which the player breathes air into the body of the instrument. Vibration of the reed produces variations in sound that can incorporate further individual characteristics desired by the player. Some saxophones have been made of plastic instead of metal but have not proved popular with musicians. Designed as an addition to the range of instruments available for use by classical composers, the saxophone made little impact upon the genre - although Debussy, Ibert and Ravel were among the handful who did incorporate the instrument in their scores. However, it was generally regarded as something of a novelty by musicians and audiences in most fields; the exception being military bands in several European countries and in the USA, who adopted it enthusiastically. In the early years of the 20th century the saxophone was used by the popular band leader ... ...
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