Altissimo

Altissimo (Italian for very high) is the uppermost register on woodwind instruments. For clarinets, which overblow on odd harmonics, the altissimo notes are those based on the fifth, seventh, and higher harmonics. For other woodwinds, the altissimo notes are those based on the third, fourth, and higher harmonics. The altissimo register is also known as the high register.

Flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon

On the Boehm system flute, the first altissimo note, D6, is played using the third harmonic of G4. Fourth harmonics are used for D#6 through G#6, and notes from A6 through C7 are played with fifth or sixth harmonics.

A careful examination of the flute fingering for the notes D♯₆ through G♯₆ reveals that they are actually a combination of third and fourth harmonic fingerings. For example, the D♯ fingering is like the low D♯4 with the addition of the G♯ key vented, for which D♯₆ is the third harmonic. Similarly, in the third octave, the E is a combination of E and A fingerings, the F is a combination of F and B♭, et cetera.

Alto saxophone

The alto saxophone, also referred to as the alto sax, is a member of the saxophone family of woodwind instruments invented by Belgian instrument designer Adolphe Sax in the 1840s, and patented in 1846. It is smaller than the tenor but larger than the soprano. The alto and tenor are the most common types of saxophones. The alto saxophone is commonly used in classical music (such as concert bands, chamber music, and solo repertoire), military bands, marching bands, and jazz (such as big bands, jazz combos, swing music, etc. The saxophone fingerings are all universal, so a saxophone player can play any type of saxophone.

Type

The alto saxophone is an E♭ transposing instrument and reads the treble clef. A written C-natural sounds a major sixth lower (concert E♭) when played. Because the alto saxophone is a reed instrument, it is classified as a woodwind instrument.

Range

The range of the alto saxophone is from concert D♭₃ (the D♭ below middle C—see Scientific pitch notation) to concert A♭₅ (or A₅ on altos with a high F♯ key). As with most types of saxophones, the standard written range is B♭₃ to F₆ (or F♯₆). Above that, the altissimo register begins at F♯ and extends upwards. The saxophone's altissimo register is more difficult to control than that of other woodwinds and is usually only expected from advanced players. By covering or partially covering the bell of the saxophone when playing B♭₃, it is possible for the alto saxophone to reach A₃ as well.

Tenor saxophone

The tenor saxophone is a medium-sized member of the saxophone family, a group of instruments invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s. The tenor and the alto are the two most commonly used saxophones. The tenor is pitched in the key of B♭, and written as a transposing instrument in the treble clef, sounding an octave and a major second lower than the written pitch. Modern tenor saxophones which have a high F# key have a range from A♭2 to E5 (concert) and are therefore pitched one octave below the soprano saxophone. People who play the tenor saxophone are known as "tenor saxophonists" or "tenor sax players".

The tenor saxophone uses a larger mouthpiece, reed, and ligature than the alto and soprano saxophones. Visually, it is easily distinguished by the bend in its neck, or its crook, near the mouthpiece. The alto saxophone lacks this and its neck goes straight to the mouthpiece.

The tenor saxophone is commonly used in classical music (such as concert bands, chamber music, and solo repertoire), military bands, marching bands, and jazz (such as big bands, jazz combos, etc.). It is occasionally included in pieces written for symphony orchestra; three examples of this are Ravel's Boléro, Prokofiev's suite from Lieutenant Kijé, and Webern's Quartet for violin, clarinet, tenor saxophone, and piano. In concert bands, the tenor plays mostly a supporting role, sometimes sharing parts with the euphonium, horn, and trombone. In jazz ensembles, the tenor plays a more prominent role as a member of a section that includes the alto and baritone saxes.

George Michael

Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou (born 25 June 1963), better known by his stage name George Michael, is an English singer, songwriter and record producer. Michael rose to fame during the 1980s and 1990s with his style of post-disco dance-pop. He has also been characterised as a blue-eyed soul singer, although his material draws more from middle-of-the-road pop than soul music.

As one of the world's best-selling music artists, Michael has sold more than 80 million records worldwide. His 1987 debut solo album, Faith, has on its own sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. Michael has garnered seven number one singles in the UK and eight number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. In 2008, Billboard magazine ranked Michael the 40th most successful artist on the Billboard Hot 100 Top All-Time Artists list.

Michael has won numerous music awards throughout his 30-year career, including three Brit Awards—winning Best British Male twice, four MTV Video Music Awards, four Ivor Novello Awards, three American Music Awards, and two Grammy Awards from eight nominations.

Ed Barker

Edward Ross Barker (born May 31, 1931 in Dillon, Montana) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Washington State University and was drafted in the first round of the 1953 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.

See also

References