Saxophone Evolution
Saxophone Evolution
1940s - 2010
All about the Saxophone
The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax. The saxophone was first intended to be an orchestra instrument but it never happened of some drama in the orchestral institution because it is a wind instrument and it lacked precision. As some time passed, in 1945, the saxophone was known as a "...key element of all military bands..." Saxophones were used to improve the tonal quality in all of the bands. The saxophone was then altered to compete with louder forms of instruments so that it can be used to play dance music. The saxophone is a staple in jazz bands. Adolphe Sax first showed his saxophone creation to a composer named Hector Berlioz in 1841 and throughout the years the instrument underwent many changes with Sax up until 1894, when Adolphe Sax passed away and his business was then passed onto his son, Adolphe Edouard. Many people in the music industry included the saxophone in their performances.
Greg Banaszak (Saxophone)- "On the House" 1940s
This song was played in The House of the Seven Gables written based on American author, Nathaniel Hawthorne in a 1940 gothic drama film. The beat and tempo in this song are slow and remains the same throughout. Listening to this sound is almost as if ti am listening to a story being told. It sets a calm mood for the song. Shows more of the jazz aspects. The dynamics in this song remain soft but some parts seem to increase a bit but it seems to be more of when a note is being dragged which is brings more attention to it.
2010
Lady Gaga "The Edge of Glory" saxophone part ft. Clarence Clemons'
This song was released in 2011 by Lady Gaga and was produced by both her and Fernando Garibay. The beat and tempo in this song seem to be determined and set as a medium-fast pace as Lady Gaga is saying "i'm on the edge" and the dynamics also grow louder bringing more attention to not only Clarence Clemons on the saxophone but Lady Gaga and her lyrics. As the beat and tempo slow down, the dynamic seems to get more quiet causing me to realize the dragged sound is coming to an end.
Connections
Saxophones being used in the 1940s and saxophones being used in 2010 just based off of these two songs show two very different sounds and help tell two very different stories. In the 1940s the jazz sound of saxophone seemed to be more attention caching and soothing whereas in 2010, a more pop sound was shown. The saxophone is an instrument I also played for many years and being someone who played music in various of genres, comparing these two songs and sounds was very easy but it also caused me to see the differences beyond the lyrics in these two songs.
Sources:
Estrella, Espie. “When and By Whom Was the Saxophone Invented?” LiveAbout, 2019, www.liveabout.com/history-of-the-saxophone-2456519.
“Saxophones: The History and Evolution - Olimpus Music Malta.” Olimpus Music Store, 20 Sept. 2017, olimpusmusic.com/saxophones-history-evolution/.
It was very interesting reading about the invention of the saxophone in your post. I've never looked into the history of its invention, so reading this snippet of information was really great to have at the back of my mind. I didn't know the saxophone was used to improve the tonal quality in bands. It is also interesting that it was altered to be able to play louder. I knew that the saxophone was a staple in jazz bands as I am taking a jazz history class right now and the saxophone is VERY present in all of the bands. I would say 99% of jazz performances have a saxophone and when I hear the word jazz, I think saxophone.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the layout of your post. It was clear and concise and I followed along very well. Thank you for sharing these facts and your findings within the music you shared. Great job!
This was for sure an interesting read. I was never a big fan of jazz, but after reading this I have found new light in listening to some jazz. Great job. Looks like the first saxophone was made in the 1840s! About 100 years before the steel drums were invented! Nice job!
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting blog about saxophone. I know that it can be used in jazz songs. I like how you added in the music videos on how it is used. I enjoy any kind of music with instruments, as much as i don't listen to Jazz, ill be looking into more about them.
ReplyDeleteI love the saxophone and this was a really great post! I think one thing to consider with the first song, is that there was a monophonic melody, one where only one voice is heard and there is no accompaniment. But I still think that your points were great and I agree with your opinions!
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