 | The tenor saxophone (see photo) is a medium-sized member of the saxophone family, a group of instruments invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. It is the second most common size of saxophone (after the alto) and is a transposing instrument, pitched in the key of B♭, and written as a transposing instrument in the treble clef, sounding a major ninth lower than the written pitch. The tenor saxophone, like all saxes, is in essence an approximately conical tube of thin metal, usually brass. The wider end of the tube is flared slightly to form a bell, while the narrower end is connected to a mouthpiece similar to that of a clarinet. It uses a slightly larger mouthpiece, reed, and ligature than the alto. |
| The tenor saxophone is used in many different types of ensembles, including concert bands, big band jazz ensembles, small jazz ensembles, and marching bands. It is occasionally included in pieces written for symphony orchestra and for chamber ensembles; three examples of this are Ravel's Boléro, Prokofiev's suite from Lieutenant Kije,and Webern's Quartet for violin, clarinet, tenor saxophone, and piano. In concert bands, the tenor plays mostly a supporting role, sometimes sharing parts with the euphonium, horn and trombone. In jazz ensembles, the tenor plays a more prominent role, often sharing parts or harmonies with the alto saxophone. | |
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