Saxophone

The alto saxophone, also referred to as the alto sax, is a member of the saxophone family of woodwind instruments invented by Belgian instrument designer Adolphe Sax in the 1840s, and patented in 1846. It is smaller than the tenor but larger than the soprano. The alto and tenor are the most common types of saxophones. The alto sax is the most common saxophone is commonly used in classical music (such as concert bands, chamber music, and solo repertoire), military bands, marching bands, and jazz (such as big bands, jazz combos, swing music). The saxophone fingerings are all universal, so a saxophone player can play any type of saxophone.

The alto saxophone has a large classical solo repertoire that includes solos with orchestra, piano and wind symphony. Two of the most well-known solo compositions are Jacques Ibert's "Concertino da Camera" and Alexander Glazunov's "Concerto in E Flat major".

Also, the alto saxophone is part of the standard instrumentation of concert bands and saxophone quartets.

The alto saxophone is also occasionally used in orchestral compositions. Several orchestral examples are listed below.

Georges Bizet features it in the Minuet from the second suite of music from L'Arlésienne.

It was called for by Richard Strauss in his Sinfonia Domestica, which includes parts for four saxophones including an alto saxophone in F.

Dmitri Shostakovich uses the alto in his Suite for Variety Orchestra and it has a prominent solo in the Waltz No. 2 section. He also includes it in his Suite No. 1 and Suite No. 2.

Maurice Ravel uses the saxophone prominently in his orchestration of Modest Moussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, most notably as the soloist in "Il Vecchio Castello".

Alban Berg uses the saxophone in his late orchestral works, most notably "Der Wein", Lulu, and the Violin Concerto.

Sergei Rachmaninoff uses the saxophone in his Symphonic Dances as a soloist in the first movement.

George Gershwin includes it in a few pieces; such as Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris.

Pierre Boulez wrote for 2 alto saxes in his composition Pli Selon Pli ("Fold By Fold").

Benjamin Britten calls for an alto in his Sinfonia da Requiem and The Prince of the Pagodas.

Leonard Bernstein includes an alto sax in his Symphonic Dances From West Side Story.

Vincent d'Indy enlists two altos in his opera Fervaal.

Darius Milhaud writes for an alto in La Creation du Monde.

Allan Pettersson makes use of an alto in his 16th symphony.

Krzysztof Penderecki scores for two altos in his opera The Devils of Loudon ("Die Teufel von Loudon").

Aram Khatchaturian includes an alto in his ballet Gayane.