Written by Kelly Wong
The saxophone was mainly used for a solo role within small ensembles; it did not gain much traction as an orchestral instrument until 1853-54. French and Belgian military bands particularly absorbed the saxophone into their sets with vigor.
Although interest in the saxophone decreased in Europe during the late nineteenth century, in the United States, the saxophone’s popularity grew.
The most notable contributions to the assimilation of saxophones within the United
Image by Orquestra CCB
States are from Patrick Gilmore (leader of 22nd Regiment Band) and Edward A. Lefebre (Dutch saxophonist). They first organized a four saxophone quartet, consisting of soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. Due to their many efforts to integrate saxophones with classical music, Gilmore and Lefebre greatly increased the repertoire and role of saxophones.
The saxophone had found its niche within America, in both jazz or dance orchestras. Saxophone production increased due to the growing demand in the early twentieth century, and new exploration in advancing the playing styles eventually cemented the modern saxophone’s design.
Although the saxophone has had its struggles in the past, the saxophone quartets are now integral components of military bands, concert bands, chamber music, and symphony orchestras.
Image by L De Jong
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