...his Opera, Taras Bulba

Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912--sometimes transliterated as Nikolai or Nicolai Lysenko or Lissenko) is considered the father of Ukrainian chamber music much the way that Glinka is for the Russians. He was the first Ukrainian composer to write chamber music. In 1904, he founded the first music conservatory in the Ukraine in Kiev, which today bears his name. Lysenko was born in the Poltava district of the Ukraine. He first studied piano with his mother, then formally with teachers in Kiev. After taking a degree in the natural sciences at the University of Kiev, he attended the world famous Leipzig Conservatory where he studied composition with Carl Reinecke.

An admirer of the Ukrainian poet Shevchenko, Lysenko became a nationalist for the Ukrainian cause as a student. He remained one for his entire life and was imprisoned for the cause as late as 1907 after composing a song in support of the Revolution of 1905. The bulk of Lysenko's music is for piano or for voice in one form or another such as opera, hymns, or chorales. His piano music often shows the influence of Chopin whereas his vocal music is almost always based on Ukrainian folk music such as his opera Taras Bulba. Lysenko spent considerable time trying to demonstrate the differences between Ukrainian and Russian folk melody. The only chamber music he is known to have composed is this string quartet and a string trio.

The quartet dates from 1868 when Lysenko was finishing his studies with Reinecke in Leipzig. The big, opening movement, Allegro non tanto, begins in a rather dramatic, somewhat operatic fashion. The themes bear some resemblance to those of Glinka's opera Ruslan and Ludmilla. Despite the movement's length, the drama and forward motion are almost never relaxed. The simple but charming melody of the following Adagio is in the form of a chorale. The manuscript only has three movements and it is not known whether there was a fourth movement or whether the third movement was meant as the finale. It is an engaging Minuetto, allegretto scherzando.

A collected edition of Lysenko's works, including this quartet, was published in 70 volumes between 1950 and 1959, however, a performance edition of the parts and score were never separately published. Our World Premiere Edition has been carefully edited and corrected by Loren Silvertrust from a copy of the original manuscript located in Kiev, Ukraine. Like all of our works, it is printed on top grade paper with an ornate cover and biographical information about the composer.
 

manmade Wings

Serving as a monument and memorial to the UAE’s founding President Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed National Museum will be a focal point of the emerging Saadiyat Island Cultural District. All aspects of the Museum, from architectural design to museum exhibit themes were conceived to reflect the life and values of the late Sheikh Zayed.

The Museum’s striking wing shaped towers were designed to evoke thoughts of a flying falcon to pay homage to Sheikh Zayed’s love of falconry. They act as thermal towers, an integral part of the natural cooling system that draw hot air up and out creating a low pressure flow of cool air from outside in through the museum. This system will cut down on climate control costs and reduce environmental impact, in line with Sheikh Zayed’s advocacy of environmental friendliness. The wing towers will also hold the museum galleries in their bases.

The wings will shoot out of a manmade 30 meter high earth mound, which will house the underground lobby area complete with retail, open performance areas, dining and an auditorium. The underground lobby will take advantage of the thermal effect of the earth, further reducing climate control costs. The entire museum will be surrounded by a body of water to create a distinct cultural landmark amongst many planned for the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island.

The Foster + Partners design is the first of four major art and history centers to be realized in the Cultural District. Frank Ghery’s Guggenheim Museum, Zaha Hadid’s Performing Arts Center, and Jean Nouvel’s Louvre Abu Dhab are all planned to join the Zayed National Museum over the next five years. The Museum has been under construction since Fall of 2010, and is planned to be completed by 2014.

to Breath...

Για να Ζήσει ο Κόσμος
Αλέξανδρος Σμέμαν

.....Μετάφρασα το βιβλίο αυτό επειδή καταγίνεται με τον κόσμο. Κόσμο λέγοντας εννοώ ολόκληρο το φυσικό σύμπαν. Και σήμερα περισσότερο από κάθε άλλη φορά ο κόσμος ή η οικουμένη, όπως λέγανε άλλοτε το γνωστό κόσμο, ή ο πλανήτης (και οι άλλοι πλανήτες) συγκεντρώνει ολόκληρη την προσοχή του ανθρώπου, αφήνοντας περιθώρια μετρημένα για αναζητήσεις με διαφορετική κατεύθυνση - δηλαδή αναζητήσεις με κατεύθυνση, όχι προς τον κόσμο ή προς τα έξω, αλλά προς τον άνθρωπο ή προς τα μέσα. Στις περιοχές όπου ζούμε τέτοια κατεύθυνση προς τα μέσα έδωσε στον άνθρωπο ο Χριστιανισμός και, πριν από το Χριστιανισμό, η Αρχαία Ελλάδα με το στόμα του Θουκυδίδη που βεβαίωνε πως δε θα σταματήσουν ποτέ τα ανθρώπινα δεινά, πολλά και χαλεπά γινόμενα μεν και αιεί εσόμενα, όσο θα δοκιμάζομε να αλλάξουμε τον κόσμο -Μαρξ- αφήνοντας απείραχτο τον άνθρωπο (έως αν η αυτή φύσις ανθρώπων η). Σε άλλες περιοχές την ίδια κατεύθυνση ή αναζήτηση προς τα μέσα έδωσαν οι άλλες σεβάσμιες πνευματικές παραδόσεις όσες αφήσανε αχνάρια ή εξακολουθούν να υπάρχουν στις μέρες μας -να αριθμούν δηλαδή πιστούς- και στις πέντε ηπείρους. Τα πραχτικά αποτελέσματα από τις διδασκαλίες αυτές, μέσα σε τόσους αιώνες, τελικά στάθηκαν πενιχρά και, μπροστά στα τόσα μαθήματα, θα μπορούσε κανένας δίκαια να αναρωτηθεί με τον ποιητή: "Οι άνθρωποι δεν ακούνε;". Θα μπορούσε ακόμα κανένας να αναρωτηθεί και ποια θα ήταν ενδεχόμενα η κατάσταση του κόσμου δίχως τις διδασκαλίες αυτές. [...]

(από τον πρόλογο του Ζήσιμου Λορεντζάτου

Пско́во-Печ́ерский Успе́нский монасты́рь

Pskov-Caves Monastery or The Pskovo-Pechersky Dormition Monastery or Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery (Russian: Пско́во-Печ́ерский Успе́нский монасты́рь, Estonian: Petseri klooster) is a Russian Orthodox male monastery, located in Pechory, Pskov Oblast in Russia, just a few kilometers from the Estonian border.

The monastery was founded in the mid-15th century, when the first hermits settled in local caves. The first cave Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos (церковь Успения Богородицы) was built in 1473 (its modern facade was constructed in the 18th century).

Ivan the Terrible's repentance: he asks the hegumen (father superior) Cornelius of the Pskovo-Pechorsky Monastery to let him take the tonsure at his monastery. Painting by Klavdy Lebedev.
After the monastery had been destroyed by the Livonian feudals, it was rebuilt by a Pskovian dyak Mikhail Munekhin-Misyur in 1519. A posad (settlement) was built next to the monastery, which would later grow into a town. In 1550s-1560s, Pskovo-Pechorsky Monastery and its posad were surrounded by a wall with towers (eventually, these fortifications were rebuilt in 1701).

The monastery became an important outpost for defending the western border of Russia. In 1581–1582, it withstood the siege laid by Stefan Batory’s army. In 1611–1616, the monastery repelled the attack of the Polish army led by Jan Karol Chodkiewicz and Aleksander Józef Lisowski and Swedish army led by Gustav II Adolf.

Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery lost its importance after the Great Northern War of 1700–1721. In 1920–1944, Pskovo-Pechorsky Monastery belonged to Estonia. The monastery was one of the few acting male monasteries in the USSR, having been saved from destruction by Pechory being Estonian territory before World War II. In Soviet times, famous Russian mystic Sampson Sievers briefly lived and served in the monastery.

Since the fall of the Soviet Union the monastery has flourished. Currently the monastic community numbers over 90 who through their pastoral labors live the tradition of asceticism and eldership as witnessed recently by the Archimandrite John (Krestiankin). In 2003 the monastery marked the 530th anniversary of its existence.

Pskov-Caves Monastery is one of the rare Russian monasteries that hasn't been closed in any moment of its history even during World War II and Soviet regime.

ΠΡΟΤΑΣΗ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΥ

Σχεδόν Άγιοι
αρχιμ. Τύχωνας Σεβκούνωφ
η Ρωσία του Χθες και του Σήμερα

Jagielloński...Matejko...

The Jagiellonian University (Polish: Uniwersytet Jagielloński, often shortened to UJ; historical names: Latin: Studium Generale, University of Kraków, Kraków Academy, The Main Crown School, Main School of Kraków) was established in 1364 by Casimir III the Great in Kazimierz (district of Kraków). It is the oldest university in Poland, the second oldest university in Central Europe and one of the oldest universities in the world. Positioned byTimes Higher Education Supplement,QS World University Rankings and ARWU as the best Polish university among the world's top 500.

The university fell upon hard times when the occupation of Kraków by Austria-Hungary during the Partitions of Poland threatened its existence. In 1817, soon after the creation of the Duchy of Warsaw the university was renamed as Jagiellonian University to commemorate Poland's Jagiellonian dynasty, which first revived the Kraków University in the past.In 2006, The Times Higher Education Supplement ranked Jagiellonian University as Poland's top university.In the mid-14th century, King Casimir III of Poland realized that the nation needed a class of educated people, especially lawyers, who could codify the country's laws and administer the courts and offices. His efforts to found an institution of higher learning in Poland were rewarded when Pope Urban V granted him permission to set up an academy in Kraków. A royal charter of foundation was issued on 12 May 1364, and a simultaneous document was issued by the City Council granting privileges to the Studium Generale. The King provided funding for one chair in liberal arts, two in Medicine, three in Canon Law and five in Roman Law, funded by a quarterly payment taken from the proceeds of the royal monopoly on the salt mines at Wieliczka.

The Cracow Academy's development stalled upon the death of King Casimir, but the institution was re-founded in 1400 by King Władysław Jagiełło and his wife Saint Jadwiga, the daughter of the King Louis of Hungary and Poland. The queen donated all of her personal jewelry to the academy, allowing it to enrol 203 students. The faculties of astronomy, law and theology attracted eminent scholars: for example, John Cantius, Stanisław of Skarbimierz, Paweł Włodkowic, Jan of Głogów, and Albert Brudzewski, who from 1491 to 1495 was one of Nicolaus Copernicus's teachers. The university was the first university in Europe to establish independent chairs in Mathematics and Astronomy.

an Atmospheric Capture to H2O

Designed as a proposal for the Taichung Gateway City Project, the Skywater Tower deals with issues of water production. While many countries already face the water crisis, Taiwan is ironically the second nation in terms of annual rainfall. However, the country’s steep topography leaves its tropical and subtropical zones surprisingly dry and with the soil unable to retain water. The shortage has become more severe in the last years, impacting individuals, agriculture and industries.

Drawing from a long tradition of researching water harvesting techniques, Atelier CMJN has designed an architectural object which also acts as an atmospheric water generator. The principle is the following: water vapor is condensed by cooling the air below its dew point or pressurizing it. Sun and/or wind are used to provide power for refrigeration. Refrigerated panels capture moisture. The verticality of the building enhances the ability to harvest more powerful winds in order to provide more water.

The new tower design is based on water production principles, but is also in line with Taiwanese cultural values. With its hydrodynamic shape, the structure is a landmark that contributes to its environment. The proposal envisions clusters of such water harvesting objects, optimally positioned within cities. They act as both urban attractors and plants, contributing to raising awareness about the water shortage issues.

if Bird...or Devil...!!

Έντγκαρ Άλαν Πόε (Edgar Allan Poe): "Το κοράκι"

Μια πολύ ατμοσφαιρική απαγγελία

Το πρωτότυπο :

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore -
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore -
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
`'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door -
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door; -
This it is, and nothing more,'

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
`Sir,' said I, `or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you' - here I opened wide the door; -
Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before
But the silence was unbroken, and the darkness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, `Lenore!'
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, `Lenore!'
Merely this and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
`Surely,' said I, `surely that is something at my window lattice;
Let me see then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore -
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore; -
'Tis the wind and nothing more!'

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door -
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door -
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
`Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,' I said, `art sure no craven.
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the nightly shore -
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning - little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door -
Bird or beast above the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as `Nevermore.'

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only,
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered - not a feather then he fluttered -
Till I scarcely more than muttered `Other friends have flown before -
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.'
Then the bird said, `Nevermore.'

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
`Doubtless,' said I, `what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore -
Till the dirges of his hope that melancholy burden bore
Of "Never-nevermore."'

But the raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door;
Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore -
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking `Nevermore.'

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.
`Wretch,' I cried, `thy God hath lent thee - by these angels he has sent thee
Respite - respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Whether tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted -
On this home by horror haunted - tell me truly, I implore -
Is there - is there balm in Gilead? - tell me - tell me, I implore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us - by that God we both adore -
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels named Lenore -
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden, whom the angels named Lenore?'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!' I shrieked upstarting -
`Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken! - quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore

Διαβάζοντας Braille...

Ο φτωχός Νεφέρ Φαραωνικό παραμύθι

Μια φορά κι ένα καιρό ζούσε ένας φτωχός καλός άνθρωπος, ο Νεφέρ. Συνήθιζε να πηγαίνει στο κυνήγι, που του άρεσε πολύ. Σκαρφαλωμένος στις χουρμαδιές περίμενε να πλησιάσει κάποιο ζώο στη λίμνη να πιει νερό για να το σκοτώσει με τα βέλη του. Ζέβρες και γαζέλες έρχονταν πρωί-πρωί να ξεδιψάσουν. Και πραγματικά χτυπά με τα βέλη του μια γαζέλα και την σκοτώνει. Πριν προφτάσει όμως να κατέβει από το δέντρο, κάποιος κρυμμένος σε ένα θάμνο, αρπάζει τη σκοτωμένη γαζέλα και εξαφανίζεται .
«Θα είναι πιο πεινασμένος από μένα», σκέφτηκε ο καλός άνθρωπος και γύρισε στην καλύβα του με άδεια χέρια. Τα παιδιά του έκλαιγαν και η γυναίκα του τον κοίταζε γεμάτη απορία.
Τη δεύτερη φορά που ξαναπήγε στο κυνήγι στο ίδιο μέρος χτύπησε μια αντιλόπη.
«Αυτή κάνει πολύ ωραίο φαγητό» σκέφτηκε, αλλά ώσπου να κατέβει και πάλι ο άγνωστος τού άρπαξε το θήραμα.
«Αυτό δεν θα ξαναγίνει» συλλογίστηκε ο άνθρωπος. Μόλις ανέβηκε στο δέντρο έριξε κάτω ένα μακρύ σχοινί που έφτανε ως το έδαφος και μέσα στην πυκνή βλάστηση δεν φαινόταν. Ήρθαν και πάλι τα ζώα να πιουν νερό και ο κυνηγός μας χτύπησε ένα ζώο που το λένε γκνους. Και πριν προλάβει ο κλέφτης να το αρπάξει, ο κυνηγός μας έπιασε το σχοινί, κατρακύλησε στο έδαφος και άρπαξε τον κλέφτη από το λαιμό. Ήταν ένα νέο παιδί και στο κατάμαυρο πρόσωπό του τα μάτια του γυάλιζαν λευκά και τρομαγμένα.
- Μη με σκοτώσεις! Μη με σκοτώσεις!
- Κάθε μέρα μού κλέβεις κι ένα ζώο. Δεν το κάνεις γιατί πεινάς. Γιατί το κάνεις; Ρωτούσε ο κυνηγός κρατώντας τον κλέφτη από το λαιμό. Έχω παιδιά και γυναίκα και μένουν νηστικοί.
- Μη με σκοτώσεις! Επαναλάμβανε ο κλέφτης κι έτρεμε.
- Δεν σε σκοτώνω. Τώρα που έχω ζώο, έλα να φας κι εσύ στην καλύβα μου μαζί με τα δικά μου παιδιά .
Ο κλέφτης δεν πίστευε στ’ αυτιά του.
- Εκεί θα με σκοτώσεις; Ξαναρωτά, καθώς ο Νεφέρ τον κρατούσε σφιχτά.
- Ούτε εδώ, ούτε εκεί. Θα φάμε το ζώο όλοι μαζί.
Έτσι κι έγινε. Πήγαν στην καλύβα, έψησαν το γκνους και κάθισαν γύρω – γύρω να φάνε. Ο νεαρός κλέφτης από την κατάπληξή του γι’ αυτή τη συμπεριφορά, δεν μπορούσε να βάλει μπουκιά στο στόμα του.
- Καλύτερα να με χτυπούσες, έλεγε και ξανάλεγε στον καλό κυνηγό. Η καλοσύνη σου με σκοτώνει.
- Έτσι είμαι εγώ, δεν αλλάζω, απάντησε ο Νεφέρ. Όποτε πεινάς να έρχεσαι στη καλύβα μας. Αν έχουμε φαγητό, θα τρως κι εσύ. Είμαστε οι άνθρωποι σαν τα δέντρα. Το ένα βγάζει αγκάθια και το άλλο καρπούς. Μάθε να βγάζεις καρπούς για να σε αγαπούν και τα καλά πνεύματα του δάσους.
Από τότε ο νεαρός έπαψε πια να κλέβει. Ο Νεφέρ τού έμαθε να κυνηγά και να σημαδεύει τα ζώα. Και μια μέρα ήρθε φορτωμένος ένα ελάφι. Γελούσε και τα λευκά του δόντια έλαμπαν.
-Σήμερα θα φάμε με δικό μου κυνήγι, είπε και γέλασαν όλοι.
Έτσι δέθηκε μια φιλία που κράτησε παντοτινά....


 

to Tango Lions

'' Tango with Lions are the project of singer/song-writer Kat, and were originally conceived in 2006 after the musical dressing of diaries, photos and book-reading influences. A band was officially formed during a summer-time jam in 2007, in a beach house with former members Johniethin and Dana. Johnniethin's blues-folk guitar playing and harmonica style, met cellist Stavros' confident melodies and Dana's delicate clarinet sound to complete what the debut album "Verba Time" represents. Since the recording sessions during 2009-2010 with producer Ottomo at Fab Liquid Studios, the line up has changed, with Yannos now playing guitars and the appearance of drums. Tango with Lions is seen as a collective of day-dreamers, hard-workers and music-lovers. The album "Verba Time" got released by InnerEar Records on June 21st, 2010 and was warmly welcomed by critics and audience. Tango with Lions are currently giving concerts along with preparing new songs.''

Members:
Kat- voice, piano, guitars, harp, bass
Yannos- guitars, vocals
Stavros- cello, mandolin
Nikos V.- drums, percussion, vocals
Jimmy Star - trompone

Former members and guest appearances:
Dana- clarinet, vocals
Christopher- drums, percussion
Stefanos Hit - drums, percussion
Kostas Vavousis - bass
Serafeim Giannakopoulos - drums, percussion
Johniethin- guitars, vocals, harmonica
Elsa- cello
Dennis- guitars
Manos- harmonica

Taken from their debut album '' Verba Time'' (2010). For any further information please visit:
• http://www.myspace.com/kaschialoveslions
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tango-with-Lions-band/121332907936988
• http://www.gogoyoko.com/#/artist/tangowithlions


 

Anatomie du Saxophone

Le corps du saxophone est composé de trois parties trouées ou collées réalisées en laiton : le corps conique, le pavillon et la culasse reliant les deux. Les clés (au nombre de 19 à 22 selon les membres de la famille) commandent l'ouverture et la fermeture des trous latéraux percés sur le corps (ou cheminées). L'extrémité haute du corps est prolongée horizontalement par le bocal (démontable) qui porte le bec (en ébonite, en métal ou en bois), équipé d'une anche simple attachée avec une ligature.

Le son du saxophone est produit à l'aide d'un bec et d'une anche (en général en roseau, mais peut être aussi en matière synthétique). C'est la vibration de l'anche sur la facette du bec qui permet l'émission du son par mise en vibration de la colonne d'air contenue dans le corps de l'instrument.

Bien que métallique, le saxophone appartient à la famille des bois de par son mode de production des notes, par la vibration d'une anche en bois contre le bec. Il est cependant parfois considéré (à tort) comme faisant partie de la section cuivres dans les musiques populaires (telles que le rock, la pop, le rhythm’n’blues, le funk ou la soul) où il est associé aux trompettes et aux trombones (instruments à embouchure).

De plus, comme il tend à se rapprocher de la sonorité des cordes (ceci est stipulé dans le brevet d'invention du saxophone), on peut de façon anecdotique en faire un "chaînon manquant" unissant cordes, bois, cuivres et percussions (grâce aux sons slappés). Le saxophone s'accorde avec les autres instruments en faisant légèrement varier l'enfoncement du bec (modulable grâce au liège entourant l'extrémité du bocal) quand le son est trop bas, on enfonce le bec, quand il est trop haut, on tire le bec. Il présente quelques ressemblances avec la clarinette (notamment le soprano), dont il diffère cependant par sa perce conique au lieu d'être cylindrique. C'est d'ailleurs cette dernière particularité qui lui permet d'être un instrument octaviant (alors que la clarinette quintoie) : le but même d’Adolphe Sax lorsqu'il imagina son nouvel instrument.