Good reeds
Five great classical saxophonists Marcel Mule (1901-2001) The second professor of saxophone at the Paris Conservatoire, a post that was re-established 74 years after Sax himself had left it in 1870, Mule’s teaching involved emphasis on sound quality. As a performer he premiered much new repertoire.
Sigurd Raschèr (1907-2001) In an age when the saxophone was trending towards a sharper, more penetrating tone, the German-born Rachèr insisted the classical instrument should revert to mouthpieces that produced a round, warm sound. The many works he premiered included Glazunov’s Saxophone Concerto.
John Harle (b1956) The classical saxophone superstar of his generation, Harle (see p7) has done as much as anyone to popularise it. Highly regarded as an authority on the instrument, he is also an acclaimed composer.
Claude Delangle (b1957) A regular player with the Ensemble Intercontemporain, Delangle has played an important part in commissioning and performing new works for the saxophone, collaborating with composers such as Berio, Boulez and Stockhausen.
Amy Dickson (b1982) One of the current stars of the saxophone world, the Australian has commissioned works from the likes of Steve Martland and Timothy Salter, while her recordings include Island Songs, a highly acclaimed disc of music by her fellow countrymen.