The saxophone is a single-reed instrument made of brass, invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. Despite its metal body it is classified with the woodwinds because of its reed mouthpiece. The family ranges from the high soprano to the low baritone and bass.

Its expressive, vocal-like tone made it a natural fit for jazz, where it became one of the most important solo instruments. The saxophone also appears in military and concert bands, and occasionally in orchestral scores. Different sizes have distinct characters: the alto and tenor are the most common in jazz and popular music.

Technique involves controlling the reed and embouchure while operating a complex key system. Great saxophonists have expanded the instrument’s expressive range through tone, articulation, and extended techniques. The saxophone’s ability to blend or to cut through an ensemble keeps it versatile across genres.

Few instruments are as closely identified with the sound of the twentieth century.