: Why are saxophones not commonly included in orchestras?

Question

: Why are saxophones not commonly included in orchestras?

In: 185

Answer 1

Plenty of symphonic works, composed after the invention of the saxophone in the 1800s, feature the instrument. eg:

– Claude Debussy’s *Rhapsody for Alto Saxophone*

– Vaughan Williams’ *Symphony No. 6*

– Alan Hovhaness’ *Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Strings, Op. 344*

– Philip Glass’ *Concerto for Saxophone Quartet and Orchestra*

– John Cage’s *Four5*

– Michael Nyman’s *24 Hour Sax Quartet*

– etc. etc.