Alto saxophone

Infobox Instrument
color1=#FFD700
color2=#FFEC8B
name=Alto Saxophone


classification=
*Wind
*Woodwind
*Aerophone
range= lower. Note: most modern alto saxes can reach a high Fmusic|#.
related=Military band family:
*Sopranino saxophone
*Soprano saxophone
*Alto saxophone
*Tenor saxophone
*Baritone saxophone
*Bass saxophone
*Contrabass saxophone
*Subcontrabass saxophone----Orchestral family:
*C melody saxophone
*Mezzo-soprano
*C soprano saxophone ----Other saxophones:
*Soprillo
*Tubax
musicians=*List of saxophonists
articles=*Saxophone

The alto saxophone is a member of the saxophone a family of woodwind instruments invented by Adolphe Sax. The alto is the third smallest of the saxophones. It is the second most common size of saxophone behind only the tenorfact|seems inaccurate, e.g., right now there are twice as many altos for sale on ebay as there are tenors| ()|date=October 2008, and is the size most commonly included in classical compositions. In concert band, the alto typically plays the counter-melody in a supporting role, but it sometimes gets the melody. It often shares parts with the clarinet, horn, and trumpet.

The alto saxophone is a transposing instrument and reads the treble clef in the key of Emusic|b (meaning that a written C for the alto will sound as Emusic|b; concert, a major sixth lower, or a minor third above).

The range of the alto saxophone is from concert Dmusic|b (Dmusic|b3) to concert Amusic|b (Amusic|b5) (or A5 on altos with a high Fmusic|# key). The "normal" range as written for the player is Bmusic|b3 to F6 (or Fmusic|#6). [ [http://library.thinkquest.org/5116/saxophone.htm Range of the Alto Saxophone] ] The third octave, known as the altissimo register, begins at Fmusic|# and extends upwards. Since the altissimo register of a saxophone is much more difficult to control than other woodwinds, it is usually only expected from advanced players.

Notable alto saxophonists include jazz musicians Charlie Parker, Johnny Hodges, Cannonball Adderley, Lee Konitz, Eric Dolphy, David Sanborn, Ornette Coleman, Anthony Braxton, Phil Woods, and Paul Desmond, and classical musicians Marcel Mule, Sigurd Raschèr, and Eugene Rousseau (for more see the Complete list of saxophonists) [ [http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/instruments/altosax/index.html Famous saxophonists] ] . The alto saxophone is included in classical music more often than the tenor, and many concertos for alto exist. The alto has great versatility and is used commonly in concert, jazz, funk, blues, pop, marching bands, and rock music.

Some companies that currently produce saxophones are Buffet Crampon, Cannonball, P.Mauriat, KHS/Jupiter, Selmer, Yamaha, Leblanc/Vito, Keilwerth, and Yanagisawa. New alto saxophones range in price between US$200 for lower quality student models to over US$7000 for professional models.

References