Intonation: Jazz vs "Legit"
Who designated classical players as "legit" players? Am I missing something. I respect classical musicians however I find this whole thing rather snobbish and trite regarding a separatist classification on "Legitness"...Did this all happen back when Adolphe Sax originally invented the Sax as a new Orchestral Instrument??
From what I gather the saxophone, due to its conical configuration has ALWAYS exhibited tonality issues that require greater effort at achieving consistent intonation. The smaller the sax the greater the intonation problems, No?? My understanding is that all classical woodwinds, being tubular, have more consistent airflow leading to easier intonation. If that's true then:
Classical players do require better intonation when playing in a traditional ensemble vs a jazz player in a combo/ensemble setting. I think that is why in olden times sections had the same horn manufacturers and mouthpieces to more easily achieve homogeneity of sound/intonation.
I feel the sax is truly the bastard son it is supposed to be. It was a great idea that didn't fit the norm for woodwinds, thus "legits" (??) feel this superiority over the rest of us who accept this beast for what it is, our horn of choice. Just trying to sound like the greats, transcribing and attempting to voice their nuances while developing my own sound is every bit as daunting, stimulating and personally more rewarding than attempting to "domesticate my Beast" so that i can blend into the classical, stuffy,....elegant herd.
Give me a juke joint any day....know where I can find one?
Jeff
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