Sounding saxophones like flutes

Abstract

The saxophone can be modified with alternative non-single-reed tone generators, including double and free reeds and brass-instrument mouthpieces. It can also be played as a rim flute on the neck, which is a known extended technique for the saxophone. Flutes differ fundamentally from the other tone-generator types as they do not act like a valve, and their flutes are so-called open-open resonator instruments, while reeds and the lips in brass instruments effectively close one end of the resonator. As a practical consequence, all open-close hole key combinations result in fundamentally different pitches known from the regular saxophone. The fact that the saxophone is conically shaped, while the flute is typically cylindrical or inverse conical, further complicates the matter. Approaches to playing the saxophone as flute using alternative fingering combinations will be discussed along with measures of pitch accuracy, timbral, and level balance. While the achievable range aligns with many orchestral wind instruments, complex cross-fingerings make it difficult to play fast chromatic lines. The large bore of the saxophone gives the flute sound a dark character, more like a Native American flute or shakuhachi than a Western concert flute or recorder.