saxophone

The saxophone is a family of woodwind instruments made of brass, played with a single-reed mouthpiece, and known for its expressive tone. It was invented in the 1840s by Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax, who designed the instrument to bridge woodwinds and brass in orchestral and military bands. The saxophone has a conical bore and a flared bell, and is usually played with a curved neck and a hand-operated keywork system.

Core members include soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, with smaller and larger variants such as sopranino and bass saxophones. The body is a single brass tube, with a series of keys and pads that close tone holes. It uses a single-reed mouthpiece, ligature, and reed; reeds vary in strength to adjust response and timbre.

In classical music, the saxophone joined ensembles and solo repertoire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It became especially prominent in jazz starting in the 1920s, influencing tone and phrasing across popular and experimental music. The instrument is also found in contemporary classical, film scores, and educational settings.

Playing technique emphasizes breath control, embouchure stability, and a flexible airstream. The mouthpiece and reed choice, ligature, and neck angle shape timbre, from bright and cutting to dark and hushed. Players use vibrato, growl, and glissando techniques for expressive effect.

Major manufacturers include Selmer, Yanagisawa, Yamaha, and Conn-Selmer. Notable players span jazz legends and classical virtuosi, contributing to the instrument’s versatile legacy. The saxophone remains a common introductory instrument in music education due to its relative ease of producing a tone and its adaptability across genres.