How I met Adolphe Sax, journeying through the History of the Saxophone

How I met Adolphe Sax, journeying through the History of the Saxophone

By Álvaro Molina CedenaHistory
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How I met Adolphe Sax, journeying through the History of the Saxophone episodes

  • Episode 9. Sax in Paris (October 1842).
    Adolphe Sax arrived in Paris in October 1842, facing severe financial difficulties and without his father's approval. There, he found the support of his closest friends, who played a crucial role in his extensive career, although he also had to contend with ruthless rivals, making his time in the French capital a process filled with deep adversities.
    3 min
  • Episode 8. "Journal des Débats". Hector Berlioz and the saxophone.
    In this episode, our narrator brings to life the words written by the composer Hector Berlioz, author of the article published in the French newspaper "Journal des Débats" in June 1842. This publication, titled "Adolphe Sax and his instruments," arose after the meeting between the composer and our protagonist, Adolphe Sax. Berlioz's praise significantly contributed to the growth of the young inventor's reputation.
    8 min
  • Episode 7. Motivation letter.

    Jacques Fromental Halévy writes a letter to Adolphe Sax, praising his musical innovations and encouraging him to continue perfecting the musical instruments of the time. He emphasizes the importance of sound combinations in the orchestral field and the potential influence of his research in the realm of music. Halévy's words will strengthen Sax's determination to move to Paris definitively.

    3 min
  • Episode 6. General Rumigny, thank you for your visit.

    General Rumigny visits Adolphe Sax in Brussels to express his interest in the young musician's musical innovations. He will inform him about the reorganization of the military music corps in France, significant news for Sax. This visit will mark the beginning of the genius inventor's transition to Paris, where he will face numerous challenges and achieve glory in his musical career.

    4 min
  • Episode 5. Silver or Gold? Brussels Industrial Exhibition (1841).

    Despite prior rumors, at the Brussels Industrial Exhibition in 1841, Adolphe Sax officially presents the Bass Saxophone in C, the first member of the saxophone family that he would patent years later. Although he was nominated for the gold medal, the jury argued that he was too young for such an accolade. This event marked a pivotal point in his life and strengthened his desire to leave his country and move to Paris.

    6 min
  • Episode 4. Return tu Brussels (1839).

    Our protagonist returns to Brussels after visiting the prestigious clarinetist François Dacosta in Paris in the year 1839. Despite facing numerous family losses, Sax is determined to continue his advancements and refinements in the field of music. During this time, the first rumors about his new instrument, the saxophone, were already being heard.

    5 min
  • Episode 3. Escalating Rivalry. Adolphe Sax and the Bass Clarinet.

    Adolphe Sax will achieve a significant milestone in his young musical career, presenting his innovative bass clarinet at the Industrial Exhibition of Brussels at the age of sixteen. His design substantially improved the resonance and tuning of the instrument, earning admiration, even from the renowned musician François-Antoine Habeneck. However, his success also provoked envy, especially from Louis Auguste Buffet. Sax patented his creation in 1838 and continued to refine it. Despite numerous debates about his contributions, Sax will leave an indelible mark on history.

    6 min
  • Episode 2. Confrontation Sounds. The rehearsal that changed everything.
    During this stage, young Adolphe Sax began to excel on the musical scene of the time, capturing the attention of influential figures such as Maestro Gabriel Fauré, Valentin Bender, and Adrien-François Servais, among others. However, his early notoriety also stirred jealousy among several musicians and musical instrument manufacturers of this period. An incident that exemplifies the rivalry that Sax had to contend with in his youth was his confrontation with the clarinetist Monsieur Bachmann, which is narrated in this episode.
    5 min
  • Episode 1. Little Sax, from phantom to legend.
    In this episode, we will place ourselves in the region of Wallonia, located in Belgium, specifically in the city of Dinant, the hometown of our protagonist. The narrative begins in the year 1814, a turbulent historical period marked by the fervor of the Industrial Revolution. In this context, the young Sax, significantly influenced by the figure of his father, will begin to discover and nurture his passion for music, as well as his skill in creating musical instruments.
    5 min
  • Trailer - How I met Adolphe Sax, journeying through the History of the Saxophone.
    Explore the astonishing story of one of the most significant figures of the 19th century. Immerse yourself in a journey filled with mysteries, rivalries, and deep emotions that come to life through time. Adolphe Sax's legacy will forever change the course of music and the course of history. Are you ready to delve into the exciting life of the genius who brought the saxophone to life?
    3 min

About How I met Adolphe Sax, journeying through the History of the Saxophone

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the great story of Monsieur Sax. Through this podcast, created and produced by saxophonist Álvaro Molina, we will discover the most hidden corners of Adolphe Sax's life and navigate through…