The alto saxophone in E♭ sounds a major sixth lower than written. Most professional models have a high F♯ key, although higher notes are possible using altissimo fingerings
As with most saxophones, the alto's written range is B♭3 to F6 (or F♯6),[1] with the higher altissimo register starting at F♯6 (or G6). The saxophone's altissimo register is more difficult to control than that of other woodwinds and is usually only expected from advanced players.
The alto saxophone is a transposing instrument, with pitches sounding a major sixth lower than written. In terms of concert pitches, the alto saxophone's range is from concert D♭3 (the D♭ below middle C—see Scientific pitch notation) to concert A♭5 (or A5 on altos with a high F♯ key).
Kadri Gopalnath was the pioneer of Carnatic music for the instrument. Rudresh Mahanthappa combines elements of jazz and Carnatic music for the alto saxophone.[4]
The alto saxophone is found in the standard instrumentation of concert bands and saxophone quartets. Alexander Glazunov composed his Saxophone Quartet in B-flat major in 1932.
The alto saxophone is sometimes used in orchestral music. Some of the compositions where it appears are listed below.
Georges Bizet features it in the "Intermezzo" and "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.
Poul Ruders includes a significant solo for the alto saxophone in his orchestral suite Concerto in Pieces.
Eric Coates wrote for an alto in his 1936 Saxo-Rhapsody.
Claude Debussy features an alto in his Rhapsody for Saxophone and Orchestra.
Paul Creston wrote a concerto for the alto as well as a sonata (with piano), a rapsodie (with organ), and included it in a suite for saxophone quartet.
Ronald Binge wrote a concerto for the alto saxophone in E-flat major (1956)
Alan Hovhaness includes an alto in his ballet Is There Survival (also known as King Vahaken) and as part of incidental music he wrote to accompany the play The Flowering Peach.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Alto_saxophone, and is written by contributors.
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