World's Day of the saxophone: A festival for Salzburg's musical diversity

World's Day of the saxophone: A festival for Salzburg's musical diversity

On November 6th, the world day of the saxophone will be celebrated, and this is a very special occasion to focus on this versatile instrument. The saxophone, which is one of the latest musical instruments, has firmly established itself in the music world and is now indispensable.

The origin of the saxophone lies in the endeavor to create an instrument that is sound between wood and brass instruments. This idea comes from Adolphe Sax, the Belgian instrument maker, who was born exactly 209 years ago and is therefore inevitably connected to the term saxophone.

a special sound experience of special kind

whether in orchestras, jazz bands or at pop concerts-the saxophone shines in many musical contexts. The sound of this instrument is as diverse as the music styles in which it is used. It is not only a solo instrument, but is also very popular in smaller ensembles and larger orchestras.

If you want to experience the new sound color of the saxophone, you have the opportunity to visit a saxophone orchestra concert on the Perner Island in Hallein on November 17, 2024 at 4 p.m. This will be a fantastic way to hear the different facets of the instrument live.

the saxophone and his family

Despite its metallic appearance, the saxophone belongs to the family of woodwind instruments and is available in different sizes and pitches, from high soprano to deep subcontrabass. The old and tenor saxophone, which can often be found in a variety of musical ensembles, are particularly popular.

currently in Salzburg 270 students are active at the musicum who learn the saxophone. For example, 22 Sax students play in the city of Salzburg in the current school year under the guidance of two teachers. The offer ranges from soprano to bass saxophone and inspires many young musicians.

In brass music, the saxophone has also become more important. Johannes Brandner, a music editor and old saxophonist, describes that there was no saxophone in the traditional costume music band Pöham founded in 1932, but now they are three saxophonists in the group. Even in many other brass bands, the instrument is often still a rarity.

An example is 24-year-old Julia from the local music band Elixhausen, which plays the old saxophone. She says: "I wanted to learn another instrument to be able to play at the music band. The saxophone immediately fascinated me."

The saxophone is easy to learn, but difficult to master. "It is an excellent entry -level instrument, especially for children who start with the recorder. Many handles are similar, only breathing technique is a little different," explains Johannes Brandner.

Speaking of name: There are two spellings for the instrument - "saxophone" and "saxophone". According to Duden, the correct spelling is "saxophone", but the older "saxophone" variant is often used, which many musicians prefer. "I think it should definitely be saxophone with 'ph'," adds Johannes.

Overall, it can be seen that the saxophone in Salzburg not only has a stable place in the classic music, but also in a variety of music genres. For all interested parties who want to learn the saxophone, there are numerous ways to do this and thus become part of this exciting musical world.

For more information and exciting articles about music in Salzburg, look at the reporting an.