Mezzo-soprano saxophone

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The mezzo-soprano saxophone, also sometimes called the F alto saxophone, is an instrument in the saxophone family. It is in the key of F, pitched a whole step above the alto saxophone. It can be easily confused with the alto because of its similar size and sound in the low register. In the upper register, however, it is sweeter, more like a soprano. Very few of them exist today, and were only produced by one company (C. G. Conn) during two years (1928 and 1929). It is the only saxophone pitched in F, besides a few prototypes of an F baritone saxophone that was never actually manufactured. (Although Maurice Ravel's 1928 orchestral work Boléro calls for a sopranino saxophone in F, it is unlikely that such an instrument ever existed.)

Notable players of the mezzo-soprano saxophone include Anthony Braxton, James Carter, and Jay C. Easton.

[edit] External links

• Jay C. Easton - modern & unusual woodwinds Jay Easton's alto and mezzo-soprano page, on which you can find pictures and sound clips.