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| Classification | Aerophone |
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Military band family:
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The Sopranissimo or soprillo saxophone, is the smallest saxophone in the family. It is pitched in B♭, one octave above the soprano saxophone, although the keywork only extends to a written high E♭ rather than F. Due to its small size, the upper octave key has to be placed in the mouthpiece. It is difficult to build an instrument so small, and only recently has a true sopranissimo saxophone been produced. The Soprillo is 12 inches in length (13 inches with the mouthpiece).
Because it is so small and requires such a small and focused embouchure, the Soprillo is difficult to play, particularly in its upper register. Additionally, the market demand for soprillos is comparatively small, so the economy of scale is reduced, thereby making a soprillo more expensive relative to other, larger saxophones such as the alto or tenor.
As of 2004, Soprillos are manufactured by the German instrument maker Benedikt Eppelsheim and the retail price is approximately US$2,900.
External links
- Website dedicated to the Soprillo
- Soprillo page from Benedikt Eppelsheim site
- The National Saxophone Choir of Great Britain (NSC) Hear the Soprillo in action with other members of the saxophone family
- strange saxes page at the web site of Jay C. Easton; includes pictures and sound clips of his Soprillo.
Listening
- Soprillo MP3s from Benedikt Eppelsheim site
- Soprillogy: CD dedicated to the Soprillo.
See also
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