| Contents |
Part I: The saxophone family: past and present. An introduction to the life and work of Adolphe Sax (1814-1894) ; Physical development of the saxophone family ; A comparison of original saxophones with modern saxophones ; Changes in saxophone design and production ; Historical overview of the spread of the saxophone family -- Part II: Writing for the saxophone as a solo voice. The "sound-of-sax" ; General information on writing for saxophone ; Saxophone vibrato ; The saxophone mouthpiece: "classical" vs. "jazz: ; A few common errors in writing for saxophone ; The family gallery: a portrait of each saxophone's unique character ; Common saxophones (B-flat soprano saxophone ; E-flat alto saxophone ; B-flat tenor saxophone ; E-flat baritone saxophone) ; Specialty saxophones (B-flat piccolo saxophone ; E-flat sopranino saxophone ; B-flat bass saxophone ; E-flat contrabass saxophone ; B-flat subcontrabass saxophone) ; Historical saxophones (C soprano saxophone ; F mezzo-soprano saxophone ; C tenor saxophone ; Adolphe Sax-style instruments) -- Printed and recorded examples of each instrument of the saxophone family (A single scale, many saxophones ; Fourteen saxophones, fourteen melodies ; Fourteen saxophones, one melody) -- Part III: Writing for the saxophone in ensemble. Saxophone small ensembles: duo through quintet ; Saxophone large ensembles: six or more saxophones ; Suggestions for effective ensemble writing ; Printed and recorded examples for saxophone ensemble writing (Saxophone quartet timbral permutations: three octaves of quartets, substituting one saxophone, four of a kind, mix and match ; Saxophone quintet: SATB and contrabass ; Saxophone sextet: two trios ; Special ensemble colors and effects for saxophones ; The saxophone family subdivided ; The saxophone family united) -- Part IV: Extended techniques for saxophone. Extending the saxophone range upwards ; Extending the saxophone range downwards ; Note duration extensions ; Multiple sounds ; Non-standard articulations ; Microtones ; Timbral alterations ; Non-standard vibrato ; Bent pitches ; Textural sounds, rhythmic effects and further exploration -- References -- Appendix I: Information about the recorded examples ; Appendix II: Guide to saxophone fingerings. |
| Abstract |
This is a practical guide to understanding and effectively utilizing the sounds of this instrumental group as it advances into the twenty-first century. Over ninety printed solo and ensemble examples in the book have been recorded on the enclosed audio CD, which allows the reader to explore the distinct personalities of the various saxophones and integrate their individual musical characteristics into his or her tonal imagination. Saxophone performers and enthusiasts will find enjoyment and edification within these pages, and composers and arrangers who wish to explore the immense wealth of musical possibilities offered by the saxophone family will find this book to be an especially valuable resource. Between these covers lies a wealth of information, including: an overview of the history of the saxophone family from its creation to its widespread popularity in the 1920s as a complete family of instruments, and the current resurgence of interest in the full range of the saxophone family from B-flat piccolo through B-flat subcontrabass; detailed information on writing for all twelve sizes of saxophone in use today, including multiple printed musical examples and audio recordings of each one; recordings of small and large saxophone ensembles demonstrating the sound of a wide variety of possible combinations of both common and specialty saxophones. Each example has a corresponding printed score; an extensive introduction to extended techniques for saxophone including notation and performance information about the altissimo register, microtones, multiphonics, reed-pizzicato, portamento and more. Saxophones have been used solo and in groups in nearly every genre of music since their invention in the mid-nineteenth century. However, the full potential of the saxophone family's great versatility and kaleidoscopic tonal resources remains unrealized in many respects. In this book, Dr. Easton provides performers, composers and arrangers with an unprecedented variety of detailed printed and recorded examples of the sounds available to the saxophone, fulfilling the need for a comprehensive guide to the tonal palette of the entire saxophone family. |
| Local note | JOYNER MUSIC LIBRARY BOOK ACCOMPANIED BY SOUND RECORDING LOCATED AT CALL NUMBER : Music CD-29681. |
| General note | CD contains soundtracks to accompany musical examples given in the book. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 263-275). |
| Publisher number | CD002 De Profundis |
