The Saxophone, a Magnificent Monster

Look at this beast!

Initially invented in 1846 by Adolphe Sax, it wasn't until the 1920's that the Saxophone really came into prominence. It was seen as an important staple of the Jazz music genre alongside other brass instruments, which really came to dominate the musical tastes of the Roaring 20's. While initially the genre it was a part of was simply a derivative of ragtime, with the inclusion of the Saxophone alongside the popular instrument of the time the piano, the swinging dance music fused with the smooth sombre tones of the blues to form a combination that would both inspire people to dance and party as well as establish a good atmosphere in the room. It got it's big start down in New Orleans (or "N'Orlens" to any with a southern drawl), but soon migrated up into the smokey clubs of the Northeast. The saxophone was even included in a number of orchestra's in the 1920's such as the Duke Ellington Orchestra, having it's place cemented in classical music history.

I will gladly admit my love of this musical instrument, in every style of music. It's croons help in forming the conjured emotions present in the blues and classical pieces, as well as to help decelerate the tempo of a piece, such as in Derek and the Dominoes guitar piece "Layla". Meanwhile, the rapid fire jabs of a true master of the instrument can help establish the atmosphere of a freeform style like Jazz, or in more controlled bursts to set the pace for a action-packed song in a movie or video game. Even hearing my Godmother's son play his soprano sax is a delight to the ear, as the vibrations echo throughout the house and into my bones. Truly, there is nothing more wonderful, more soothing, more empathetic than the shrill cry of the sax player's beast.

Image Credit: "Alto Saxophone" obtained via Wikimedia Commons

Bach's Got Sprezz?

Our nonchalantly clever friend, sprezzatura, made his mark not only in conversation and dress but also in music.  As a pianist, this was exciting to discover.  But I wasn’t surprised to find out what its theme-song is: jazz.  You can hear it in the music as much as you can see it in the pianist--one hand on the keyboard, eyes wandering around the room, reflecting an ambiance of easiness.  The music itself is laid back, seemingly casual, but paradoxically striking and captivating.

But that’s not what they played in the 1600s.

Johann Sebastian Bach was the star of the 1600s and is still a highly-praised musician today.  His music is admirable for its technicalities—it’s very vertical, systematic, and almost dry.  Yet this somehow expressed the culture of the scientific revolution.  The music has purpose; it moves progressively forward towards a predetermined destination.  (For image of Bach's sheet music, click here).

Playing Bach requires concentration and drilling--there's little room for improvisment because the interpretation is straightforward.  It's dull but comfortable.  Jazz, on the other hand, is a whole different ball game.  A few chords are thrown at you but the music that stares back at you from the piano is more white than black.  It's daunting, sometimes petrifying, but also thrilling.  It could take you nowhere and it'd still be a great adventure (try it out here).

Jazz Piano Sheet Music

So was sprezzatura re-personified in the 1600s?  Or did Bach's music, coupled with other Baroque arts and scientific discoveries take center stage?  

Image Sources: "Piano clip art" (via pxhere)

"Jazz Piano" (public domain images via Wikimedia Commons)