** The Saxophone Story! Poem by RAJ NANDY
** The Saxophone Story!
THE SAXOPHONE STORY
Perhaps the most expressive instrument -
next to the human voice,
Was made by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian,
through a deliberate choice!
He wanted to offset the tonal disparity; -
Between the strings, wind and brass
instruments - with clarity!
He felt that the strings were overpowered
by the wind instruments,
And the winds got overblown by the brasses!
Now what would happen if the best qualities
of these three types of instruments, -
In a fusion blended, and coalesces?
So finally at the age of 20 yrs, in March 1834,
He created a magical instrument for the world
to adore!
It had the power of the brass, the flexibility
of the strings, -
And the woodwind’s variety and tone,
Which got christened after Adolphe Sax, as
the Saxophone!
Adolphe’s famous composer friend Hector
Berlioz in Paris City,
Gave this new instrument wide publicity!
In 1844 the Sax was presented in the Industrial
Exhibition at Paris,
And got patented on 20Mar 1846!
Subsequently adopted by the Bands of the French
Army,
Making other instrument makers to become green
with envy!
The Sax was 80 yrs old when it became part of
Jazz music,
A small bore mouth piece was created to suite the
varying tonal qualities of ' jazzy music '!
Initially 14 different sizes of Sax was created by
Adolphe,
Today only five types are in use for us to hear and
see; -
The Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass and the Baritone
Saxophones, -
All forming part of jazz music's backbone!
Raj Nandy
06 Aug 09
New Delhi
FOOT NOTES: -
Adolphe Sax(1814-1894) , son of famous musical instrument maker-
Charles Joseph Sax of Belgium.
WOODWIND Instruments = Flute & Clarinet.BRASS= Trumpet & Tuba
STRINGS = Violin, Viola etc.
SAXOPHONE TODAY HAS BECOME THE BACKBONE OF JAZZ!
** ALL COPY RIGHTS ARE RESERVED BY: - RAJ NANDY **
Raj, I guess the world owes Adolphe Sax a lot for his insight and invention. A particular memorable evening for myself, was listening to someone on soprano saxaphone, play 'Summertime' that memorable tune from Gershwins Porgy and Bess. It was so hauntingly beautiful its memory has stayed with me nearly fifty years. I guess it was one of those Ah! moments we have in our lives. Thank you for the history lesson, I will keep and file. I suppose jazz really came from Africa, the continent of pain, I guess the blood, sweat and tears of slavery gave it feelings of sadness and of joy. Raj, thank you once again for bringing back those happy memories. Warm Regards Bob
wow you have just shared a wonderful history.....Thanks for this insightful craft...Great penned with zeal...10
Excellent narration Raj. So in March 1834 the saxophone hit the world! I find a sax always talks to me if played by a competent musician. Thanks for this history and your wealth of knowledge. Top Marks! Karin Anderson
Hi Raj - An excellent poem in every way and instructive as well it scores a SAX - sorry thta should be a MAX. My Grandson (11) is a Saxophonist and plays in the Church Worship Group. He is touring in Germany this year with a Swing Band. I agree with your description 'Power of the Brass - Flexibility of the Strings - Variety and Tone of the Woodwind' it is an excellent solo instrument and essential to any Jazz Combo or Swing Band. My eight Grandchildren play 13 different instruments between them and they can all sing as can my Children. I have sent Joseph a copy of your poem. It is good to celebrate the genius of SAX and the evrsitility of his instrument in a lovely poem. Yours in Poetry - JOHN
The purest of sounds, the way it dives into the soul..with timeless tones...Passion is the vibe that Sax brings to the listener....and passion is what your words bring always Raj...(Jazz Man) .....Amazing piece to share with us my friend and as always with your poetry, I give it a 10+++++
as Sandra sys, you are my teacher in many ways, a teacher whose gentle methods i have come to adore and await next lesson with impatience. i love music, but Raj you are making me understand appreciate it better. thanks Mamta
we're on the same boat, Raj. Thank you for the info.Though a musician myself, i find it hard to play the saxophone, , but i love to hear somebody play while writing. B less you.
What a glorious story! You have been my music teacher this moning. So many times I have created poetry with the romantic saxophone playing in the background. Now I know its history. Thank you, Raj. Warm regards, Sandra
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/24/2024 6:33:00 AM # 1.0.0.1119
Your zeal for music is reflected in this poetic piece of the Saxophone Story very well indeed! Nice details!