In Search of the Saxophone Its Origins and Functions

In Search of the Saxophone provides a broader, more comprehensive picture of the saxophone’s evolution than any previous study. Qualified by deep scholarship assembled over the course of a 15-year quest that took the author around the globe in search of forgotten records, abandoned instruments, and faded documents in museums, private collections, and ancient repositories, it is a goldmine of information. Bryan Kendall takes us on a journey experiencing a unique history that celebrates the triumphs and joys, and decries the setbacks and trials of an instrument that emerged during a time of profound change. With meticulous detail, he explains the saxophone’s perception, its use and misuse, and its place both in musical literature and the broader cultural milieu. Layers of myths and misunderstandings are peeled away to reveal the unvarnished truth of the instrument’s invention and the creative genius who brought it into the world. A true Romantic, Adolphe Sax took advantage of the technological advances of the Industrial Revolution to create a highly marketable instrument that not only filled specific musical needs of his own time and satisfied the vogue for the novelty in 19th-century Paris, but was sufficiently versatile and robust to adapt to myriad contexts in the 150 years since its invention. Kendall’s engaging writing and over 550 full-color illustrations breathe life into the story of this instrument. An extraordinary achievement. Essential reading for all saxophone enthusiasts, professionals, and amateurs.