Harmonic Series-based Saxophone Multiphonics: A Prospective Catalogue

Abstract

This article addresses a practical approach to the saxophone’s harmonic series- based multiphonics as categorized by Keith Moore. The central goal is to create a possible reference of how to produce these sounds, through the instrumental technique of harmonic partial isolation, for the means of composition and performance. This sound effect lacks a catalogue that details its attributes, and methods of instrumental technique to guide performance. Based on the concepts of tone imagination by Sigurd Raschèr, and threshold tone by Marcus Weiss and Giorgio Netti, an analysis of the harmonic partials obtained with two distinct tube positions on a B soprano saxophone takes place, with the intent of examining harmonic series-based multiphonic possibilities. Through the parameters manipulated by means of this instrumental technique, the harmonic partials are tested in regard to the possibility of being transformed into harmonic series-based multiphonic regimes, as well as how the control over each harmonic partial may influence this sound effect. Objectively, the content of this article sheds light on degrees of control for this type of saxophone multiphonic. As a consequence, a need to catalogue this sound effect comes about, as a way to deepen the ongoing study regarding multiphonic sounds on the saxophone as a whole.