alto saxophone
[English]
The alto member of the family of wind instruments invented by Adolphe Sax in 1840. The alto saxophone (alto sax) is made of brass with a tapered bore. It has a single reed similar to a clarinet and a fingering system is based on that of the oboe. The alto saxophone is a common instrument in saxophone ensembles, concert and symphonic bands, big bands, and often as a solo instrument in Rock n' Roll, rhythm and blues, and jazz genres.
The common saxophone family (from highest to lowest pitch) consists of the soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, and bass saxophone.
Example
Photo courtesy of G. Leblanc Corporation
See Also
[Abbreviation] alto sax[Abbreviation] a. sax.
[French] saxophone alto (m)
[German] Altsaxophon (n)
[Italian] sassofono contralto (m)
[Spanish] saxofón alto (m)
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Last Updated: 2016-04-29 16:10:29