Arranging and Orchestration Concepts !! 139Soprano Saxophone
The soprano saxophone is the highest-pitched of the instruments, and it is
shaped more like a clarinet than the other saxophones. (Some sopranos
look like small alto saxophones.) It is mostly used as a solo instrument,
especially in jazz. Having a beautiful mellow sound, it is also very effective
in playing solo parts in film scores because the sound does not interfere
with the dialogue the way, for example, a trumpet could. Soprano saxo-
phones sound one step lower than where written.
Alto Saxophone
The alto saxophone usually plays the lead part in a saxophone section.
(Sometimes the lead is played by the soprano saxophone.) There are typi-
cally two altos in a section. The second alto normally plays the part
directly below the lead alto; sometimes a tenor plays the second part, and
the second alto plays the third part. The alto players are usually accom-
plished jazz soloists and play solos in big-band arrangements. Alto saxo-
phones are frequently used in small jazz combos. They sound a major
sixth below the written note.
Tenor Saxophone
The B-flat tenor saxophone is pitched in the key of B-flat. Two tenors are
normally used in a full section. They normally play the third and fourth
parts in a typical section. The tenor is, arguably, the most popular saxo-
phone used in jazz. Tenors blend exceptionally well with trombones. In
fact, two tenors and two trombones can sound like a trombone section.
The B-flat tenor saxophone sounds a major ninth below where written.
Baritone Saxophone !!The baritone is rarely
used for jazz solos, but
there have been some ex-
traordinary jazz musicians
who have made the instru-
ment popular, such as Jerry
Mulligan, Pepper Adams,
and Ronnie Cuber.
The E-flat baritone saxophone usually
plays the lowest note in the saxophone
section. It is also an effective solo instru-
ment, primarily in jazz, vintage rock-and-
roll, and rhythm-and-blues music. It pro-
duces a unique rich, deep, raspy sound
that cannot be duplicated by any other
instrument. The E-flat baritone saxophone
sounds an octave and a major sixth below where written.
Bass Saxophone
The B-flat bass saxophone is the least used of the modern saxophones. It
has an unusually deep sound and should be reserved for special use. The