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

Álvaro Molina Cedena
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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 the pages of time unraveling the most significant milestones in the history of the saxophone.

  1. 09/04/2024

    Episode 19. Honneur et patrie.

    In 1845, in the French capital, what is known as the reform of French military music took place. Adolphe Sax engaged in a musical duel with Michele Carafa, director of Le Gymnase de Musique Militaire, an academy dedicated to the musical training of military musicians in the French army. To decide between the proposals presented, a concert was organized at Champ de Mars in Paris. The audience enthusiastically applauded the instrumental ensemble presented by Sax, who emerged victorious, thus introducing his instruments into French military bands, consequently increasing sales for his business. The establishment of the Republic in 1848 led to the removal of his instruments from the French army, until the restoration of the monarchy by Napoleon III returned Sax’s monopoly in the manufacture of musical instruments for the Imperial Guard of the nation.

    6 min

  2. 09/04/2024

    Episode 18. Sculpting the future of the Distin family.

    After the successful concert held at the Herz Hall in Paris in 1844, organized by Hector Berlioz, Adolphe Sax received a visit from the Distin family. Due to the family's lack of musical virtuosity and their instruments failing to meet the necessary quality to disguise their imperfect performances, they relied on Sax to improve their musical instruments and achieve the coveted international success. However, despite Sax's assistance, the Distin family would soon betray him, disregarding their debt of gratitude towards the ingenious inventor. In 1844, a significant milestone occurred in the history of the saxophone, as it was included for the first time in an orchestral work composed by Jean-Georges Kastner: "Le Dernier Roi de Juda".

    4 min

  3. 14/02/2024

    Episode 17. Gioachino Rossini: the beauty of the saxophone.

    Rossini made a new visit to the workshops of our protagonist, Adolphe Sax, showing particular interest in his innovations, especially regarding the bass clarinet and the new saxophone. He was so impressed that he went as far as to say he had never heard anything so beautiful. Rossini's influence on the musical scene of the time opened doors for our protagonist's musical career, allowing him to establish connections with prominent figures in Italian music, such as Mr. Liverani, a distinguished Italian clarinet teacher, as well as Gaspare Spontini, a renowned opera composer and orchestra director in Italy.

    3 min

  4. 27/01/2024

    Episode 16. Salle des Concerts Herz, París (3rd February 1844).

    In 1844, the saxophone took its first steps before the general public, thanks to the efforts of Adolphe Sax himself. Our protagonist not only used his workshops to produce innovative musical instruments but also transformed them into meeting points for prominent figures in the society, culture, and politics of Paris during that time. The first official performance of the saxophone before an audience occurred at the “Salle des Concerts Herz” in Paris during a concert organized by the renowned composer Hector Berlioz. For this occasion, Berlioz adapted his composition "Chant Sacré" for six instruments, all of which were manufactured by Sax. Among them was the bass saxophone in C, successfully played by Adolphe Sax himself during that memorable performance, albeit not without some difficulties.

    3 min

  5. 04/01/2024

    Episode 15. He who wants the end, wants the means.

    In a desperate attempt to preserve the sale of his workshop, Adolphe Sax becomes entangled in a subtle web of manipulations devised by an unscrupulous moneylender in collaboration with his own assistant. In the midst of this plot, our protagonist embarks on a fierce struggle to preserve his honor, confronting deceit and betrayals, challenging the cunning and ruthless schemes woven by his clever and merciless adversaries.

    7 min

  6. 31/12/2023

    Episode 14. Trust or disloyalty? The mysterious assistant of Sax.

    A seemingly humble assistant presents himself as the solution to his financial troubles, but soon will be revealed as a cunning conspirator. With promises of loyalty and honesty, the assistant orchestrates an elaborate plan to discredit Sax, leaving him facing numerous lawsuits and financial problems. Could the cruel enemies of our protagonist be behind these events?

    7 min

  7. 21/12/2023

    Episode 13. The unrelenting power of envy. A goldsmith born in Dinant.

    Berlioz denounces the persecutions suffered by Sax worthy of the Middle Ages. Amid accusations, manipulations, and sabotage, Sax defies traditions, threatening the interests of manufacturers and veteran musicians of that time, as reflected in the report of the French Industry Exhibition. Amid intrigues and challenges, the unexpected turn will come with the arrival of an enigmatic gentleman to his workshop, holding uncertainty about the fate of Sax and his extensive musical legacy.

    4 min

  8. 09/11/2023

    Episode 12. Revue et gazette musicale de Paris (December 6, 1843).

    The journal “Revue et Gazette Musicale de Paris” received a letter from Mr. Sax on December 6, 1843, in which our protagonist responded to the harsh criticisms of the principal clarinetist of the Paris Opera. The letter emerged following the conspiracy driven against Sax by members of the ensemble in October of the same year.

    4 min
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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 the pages of time unraveling the most significant milestones in the history of the saxophone.

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