C Melody Saxophone

History of the C Melody Saxophone

The C melody saxophone was invented by Belgian inventor Adolphe Sax who created and patented many variations of the saxophone in 1846. The C melody saxophone in particular was developed as a more mellow instrument that wouldn’t have to be transposed when played in a symphony orchestra.However, the saxophone was never adopted in this way and there are various legends and theories as to why. Some suggest that Adolphe’s arrogant character was to blame as he created enemies that aimed to block the saxophone’s progress. Others suggest that the loudness of the saxophone wasn’t able to blend with the other woodwind instruments playing classical music compositions of the 19th century. In the early 20th century, the C melody saxophone became popular at the birth of jazz and swing music. Early jazz pioneers like Fats Waller and Frankie Trumbauer brought the instrument into notoriety and in fact the latter became known predominantly for playing the C melody saxophone. Trumbauer played it on the first known recordings of ‘Georgia On My Mind’ in 1930. The C melody saxophone became a rare instrument in the 20th century after this initial boom, being replaced by the alto and tenor saxophone. Today the instrument is experiencing renewed popularity as players look back in time at the saxophone’s history.

Inventor: Unknown