Tenor saxophone is an instrument bent in to the shape of S. It is known of its broad and rich sound. Much like the alto version, its sound reminds of the human voice, its tone is string-like.

Saxophones are made of brass and as with clarinet, the sound source is a mouthpiece made of ebonite with a reed attached to it. The saxophones are not part of the common orchestra instrumentation. Saxophones were designed originally for marching bands to support the woodwinds which were easily overshadowed by the brass instruments.

The sound of saxophone may vary widely: in the classical music different types of reeds may be used compared to jazz music. In jazz and rock music the tone and the techniques are often more varied, not least in the form of excessive use of glissandos.

The saxophone blends well with all instrumentation choices, though its tone may seem dominant.

The tenor saxophone is a transposing instrument (Bb), the material written for it is transposed up a whole step.

Recommended combinations:

Tenor saxophone with flute
Tenor saxophone with bassoon
Tenor saxophone with a string instrument
Tenor saxophone with organ

Listen to the audio sample: