The baritone saxophone is a large instrument which takes support of the floor. It is the bass instrument of the saxophone quartet. Instruments with lower tonal range than the baritone saxophone are the bass saxophone and the contrabass saxophone, which are rarely used. The sound of the baritone saxophone reminds of low string instrument sound.

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 baritone saxophone is a transposing instrument, the written material is transposed up major sixth.

Recommended combinations:

Baritone saxophone with flute
Baritone saxophone with a string instrument
Baritone saxophone with organ

Listen to the audio samples:

Melody (342 KB)
Lowest tone (58 KB)