What does saxhorn mean?
A saxhorn is a family of valved brass instruments developed in the 19th century and named after the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax. Its members include different sizes, from soprano and alto instruments to tenor, baritone, and bass models, with the lowest instruments often called tubas in modern bands. Saxhorns have conical tubing, piston valves, and a rounded, powerful sound. They are especially associated with British brass bands, where they form an important section, but they also appear in concert bands, orchestras, marches, and brass ensembles. Although their name resembles that of the saxophone, the two instruments belong to entirely different instrumental families: a saxophone is a woodwind instrument sounded through a single reed, whereas a saxhorn is sounded by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece.
nounA family of brass instruments with valves and a conical tube, related to the horn and used chiefly in brass bands and concert bands. The saxhorn has a broad, powerful tone and is made in several sizes, including the soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass.
- A valved brass instrument of the horn family, with a conical bore and a range of sizes and registers.
"The saxophone section of the marching band gave way to a line of shining brass saxhorns."
"The baritone saxhorn carried the melody through the final movement."
"The composer arranged the passage for four saxhorns and a percussion section."
The plural is used for individual instruments or for the instruments collectively.
"Several polished saxhorns stood on stands behind the band."
The saxhorn takes its name from Adolphe Sax, whose name also became part of the word saxophone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of saxhorn
The word was formed in the 19th century from the name Sax and the word horn, in reference to the instrument designer Adolphe Sax. Sax developed related valved brass instruments and patented designs that helped establish the modern horn and saxhorn families. The name also underlies saxophone, which was likewise developed by Adolphe Sax.
Related word forms
How saxhorn is actually used
The term is primarily used in brass-band and orchestral contexts. In British usage, it may refer more broadly to the family of valved horns developed from the saxhorns.
Easily confused with saxhorn
A saxophone is a single-reed woodwind instrument, whereas a saxhorn is a valved brass instrument.