What's the best combination of saxophones in epic orchestral music?

• Jul 1, 2018 - 05:30

I want to write an epic orchestral piece, and I currently encountered some combinations of saxophones:
1) Soprano & Alto;
2) Soprano & Tenor;
3) Mezzo-Soprano & Tenor;
4) Mezzo-Soprano & Baritone;
5) Soprano & Alto & Baritone;
6) Soprano & Alto & Bass;
7) Mezzo-Soprano & Tenor & Bass.
Could anybody recommend a combination? Thanks.


Comments

Most orchestras don't include saxophones, although they might hire saxophone players for a special performance if required. So I guess the first step is to understand the type of orchestra you are trying to write for. Soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones are common. Anything else is extremely rare to the point that there would be a good chance no one in the entire city would own one.

In reply to by Marc Sabatella

It's an orchestra including both classical and pop instruments, so I guess there're pretty many saxophones. I prefer writing two types of saxophones producing a solid and fruity chord just like brass ensemble. Which combination do you prefer: alto & tenor; alto & baritone, or possibly anything else?

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