What's the best combination of saxophones in epic orchestral music?
I want to write an epic orchestral piece, and I currently encountered some combinations of saxophones:
1) Soprano & Alto;
2) Soprano & Tenor;
3) Mezzo-Soprano & Tenor;
4) Mezzo-Soprano & Baritone;
5) Soprano & Alto & Baritone;
6) Soprano & Alto & Bass;
7) Mezzo-Soprano & Tenor & Bass.
Could anybody recommend a combination? Thanks.
Comments
Most orchestras don't include saxophones, although they might hire saxophone players for a special performance if required. So I guess the first step is to understand the type of orchestra you are trying to write for. Soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones are common. Anything else is extremely rare to the point that there would be a good chance no one in the entire city would own one.
In reply to Most orchestras don't… by Marc Sabatella
It's an orchestra including both classical and pop instruments, so I guess there're pretty many saxophones. I prefer writing two types of saxophones producing a solid and fruity chord just like brass ensemble. Which combination do you prefer: alto & tenor; alto & baritone, or possibly anything else?
In reply to It's an orchestra including… by Howard-C
Alto and Tenor saxophones are the most widely used.
Baritone and soprano saxophones are used less often than others.
If you have enough (financial and managing) resources, you can use all of them.
In reply to Alto and Tenor saxophone are… by Ziya Mete Demircan
I see, but I only want to write two types of them into my score. What I really want to know is that which combination can produce the most vigorous and solid sound just like brass ensemble?
In reply to I see, but I only want to… by Howard-C
Alto, Tenor, Trumpet and Trombone.
In reply to Alto, Tenor, Trumpet and… by Ziya Mete Demircan
Thanks!