Saxhorn

The saxhorn is any one of a family of valved brass instruments named after Adolphe Sax, who did much to bring them to their present day form.

The saxhorn is a brass instrument with a characteristic tapered bore and a deep cup-shaped mouthpiece, blending elements of other brass families like trumpets and horns. Developed possibly in the mid- to late-1830s, they were patented in Paris in 1845. Like saxophones they were designed for band use and built - for interchangeability of fingering etc - in alternating Bb and Eb pitches. The modern flugelhorn, tenor horn (alto horn in the US), euphonium, and tuba are survivors of this family.

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By constantly experimenting, Sax changed the saxhorn's valve pattern during the mid-1850s, and eventually created a family of more than ten models of different sizes. Saxhorns were popularized by the distinguished Distin Quintet, who toured Europe during the mid-nineteenth century. This family of musicians, publishers and instrument manufacturers had a significant impact on the growth of the brass band movement in Great Britain during the mid-to late-1800s. A contemporary work featuring this instrument is Desire Dondeyne's "Tubissimo", for bass tuba or saxhorn and piano (1983).