description Sigurd Raschèr Overview
Sigurd Rascher was a German-born classical saxophonist who later became an American citizen and played an important role in expanding the instrument's concert repertory. He commissioned and premiered works by composers including Alexander Glazunov, Jacques Ibert, and Paul Hindemith, and advocated use of the saxophone's extended upper register. His performances, teaching, and collaborations were directed toward establishing the saxophone as a serious orchestral and solo instrument.
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What was Sigurd Raschèr's famous extended saxophone range?
Raschèr championed the altissimo register, extending performance above the saxophone's conventional keyed range. He discussed this technique in his instructional work Top-Tones for the Saxophone.
Which major concert works were written for Sigurd Raschèr?
Alexander Glazunov wrote his Saxophone Concerto for Raschèr, and Jacques Ibert composed the Concertino da camera for him. Raschèr's collaborations helped establish the saxophone as a serious classical solo instrument.
Why did Raschèr prefer older-style saxophones?
He favored instruments and mouthpieces that he believed preserved the tonal conception associated with Adolphe Sax. This preference influenced the characteristic blended sound later cultivated by the Raschèr Saxophone Quartet.
What is the Raschèr Saxophone Quartet?
Sigurd Raschèr founded the ensemble with his daughter Carina in 1969. The quartet became an important commissioner and performer of contemporary works for soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones.
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