Inventor(s) Adolphe Sax | Developed 28 June 1846 | |
 | ||
Classification Wind,
woodwind,
aerophone Hornbostel–Sachs classification 422.212-71
(Single-reeded aerophone with keys) | ||
The C soprano saxophone is a member of the saxophone family. It closely resembles the more common B♭ soprano saxophone but is pitched a tone higher. Unlike other saxophones (exception: the C melody saxophone), it is not a transposing instrument. The C soprano has a very similar range to the oboe.
In the early 20th century, the C soprano was marketed to those who wished to perform oboe parts in military band, vaudeville arrangements, or church hymnals. C sopranos are the same shape as B♭ sopranos and differ in length by only around 3 centimeters. C soprano saxophones usually have a "C" stamped on them, close to the serial number. The same companies that made C melody instruments manufactured C soprano saxophones (e.g. Conn). As with C melody instruments, production of C sopranos commenced circa 1919 and ended around 1929. Currently, AquilaSax makes C soprano saxophones.
In classical music
It was used by Richard Strauss in his Sinfonia Domestica, where included in the music are parts for four saxophones including a soprano saxophone in C.