The baritone saxophone and the tenor saxophone are both members of the saxophone family, but they differ in several key aspects, including their size, pitch, and range.
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Size: The baritone saxophone is the largest and heaviest saxophone, while the tenor saxophone is smaller and lighter in comparison. The baritone saxophone is often over 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length when fully assembled and requires a considerable amount of breath support to play, while the tenor saxophone is typically around 3.5 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) in length.
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Pitch: The baritone saxophone is a lower-pitched instrument, typically pitched in the key of Eb (E-flat), which means that when the saxophonist plays a written C on the instrument, the resulting sound is Eb. On the other hand, the tenor saxophone is pitched in the key of Bb (B-flat), so when the saxophonist plays a written C, the resulting sound is Bb.
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Range: The baritone saxophone has a lower range compared to the tenor saxophone. The baritone saxophone's lowest note is typically Bb1 (B-flat below middle C), and it can usually play up to F or G above the staff (notated as F4 or G4), depending on the specific model. The tenor saxophone, on the other hand, has a higher range, usually starting from Bb2 (B-flat above middle C) and extending up to F or G above the staff (notated as F5 or G5).
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Usage: The baritone saxophone is commonly used in big bands, jazz ensembles, and classical music, where its deep and rich tone adds depth and power to the ensemble. It is also occasionally used in popular music genres. The tenor saxophone, on the other hand, is one of the most common saxophones used in various musical styles, including jazz, rock, pop, and classical music. It is often featured as a solo instrument and is known for its versatility and expressive capabilities.
In summary, the baritone saxophone and the tenor saxophone differ in size, pitch, range, and common usage, with the baritone saxophone being larger, lower in pitch, and having a lower range, while the tenor saxophone is smaller, higher in pitch, and has a higher range.