The Role of Saxophone in Symphony Orchestras

The saxophone is not a standard member of the traditional symphony orchestra, but it does appear in specific repertoire, typically under two circumstances:

Ⅰ. Doubling by Clarinetists

In orchestral works with incidental saxophone parts (e.g., Ravel’s Boléro, Bizet’s L’Arlésienne), the saxophone line is usually played by a bass clarinetist doubling on saxophone.

This avoids hiring a dedicated saxophonist for limited passages.

Exception: Large-scale works like Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 9 (which requires three saxophones) may involve clarinetists switching instruments.

Ⅱ. Guest Soloists for Featured Works

When the saxophone has a prominent solo role (e.g., Debussy’s Rhapsodie, Glazunov’s Concerto), orchestras typically invite a specialist saxophonist.

Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances contains one of the most integrated saxophone solos in classical literature (listen from 4:00 in this performance).

Why Isn’t the Saxophone Standard?

Historical exclusion: The saxophone (invented c. 1840) post-dates the core orchestral instrumentation.

Timbral dominance: Its powerful sound can overshadow classical woodwinds.

Repertoire gaps: Few major composers wrote extensively for saxophone in orchestral settings.

Conclusion: While not a permanent fixture, the saxophone shines in select orchestral works—either through doubling or guest soloists. Its most celebrated moments remain in 20th-century pieces and concertos.