The Devil's Horn

The Story of the Saxophone, from Noisy Novelty to King of Cool

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Theory & Criticism, History & Criticism, Reference, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture
Cover of the book The Devil's Horn by Michael Segell, Farrar, Straus and Giroux
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Segell ISBN: 9781429930871
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Publication: October 15, 2005
Imprint: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Language: English
Author: Michael Segell
ISBN: 9781429930871
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication: October 15, 2005
Imprint: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Language: English

In The Devil's Horn, Michael Segell traces the 160-year history of the saxophone-a horn that created a sound never before heard in nature, and that from the moment it debuted has aroused both positive and negative passions among all who hear it. The saxophone has insinuated itself into virtually every musical idiom that has come along since its birth as well as into music with traditions thousands of years old. But it has also been controversial, viewed as a symbol of decadence, immorality and lasciviousness: it was banned in Japan, saxophonists have been sent to Siberian lockdown by Communist officials, and a pope even indicted it.

Segell outlines the saxophone's fascinating history while he highlights many of its legendary players, including Benny Carter, Illinois Jacquet, Sonny Rollins, Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Branford Marsalis, and Michael Brecker. The Devil's Horn explores the saxophone's intersections with social movement and change, the innovative acoustical science behind the instrument, its struggles in the world of "legit" music, and the mystical properties that seduce all who fall under its influence. Colorful, evocative, and richly informed, The Devil's Horn is an ingenious portrait of one of the most popular instruments in the world.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In The Devil's Horn, Michael Segell traces the 160-year history of the saxophone-a horn that created a sound never before heard in nature, and that from the moment it debuted has aroused both positive and negative passions among all who hear it. The saxophone has insinuated itself into virtually every musical idiom that has come along since its birth as well as into music with traditions thousands of years old. But it has also been controversial, viewed as a symbol of decadence, immorality and lasciviousness: it was banned in Japan, saxophonists have been sent to Siberian lockdown by Communist officials, and a pope even indicted it.

Segell outlines the saxophone's fascinating history while he highlights many of its legendary players, including Benny Carter, Illinois Jacquet, Sonny Rollins, Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Branford Marsalis, and Michael Brecker. The Devil's Horn explores the saxophone's intersections with social movement and change, the innovative acoustical science behind the instrument, its struggles in the world of "legit" music, and the mystical properties that seduce all who fall under its influence. Colorful, evocative, and richly informed, The Devil's Horn is an ingenious portrait of one of the most popular instruments in the world.

More books from Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Cover of the book The Lost Time Accidents by Michael Segell
Cover of the book An Acceptable Time by Michael Segell
Cover of the book The Man Who Would Be King by Michael Segell
Cover of the book Green Sees Things in Waves by Michael Segell
Cover of the book Peacekeeping by Michael Segell
Cover of the book Purity by Michael Segell
Cover of the book Stephen Crane by Michael Segell
Cover of the book The Devil's Other Storybook by Michael Segell
Cover of the book Off-Color by Michael Segell
Cover of the book The History of Danish Dreams by Michael Segell
Cover of the book How the West Was Lost by Michael Segell
Cover of the book Kelsey Green, Reading Queen by Michael Segell
Cover of the book Queen of Hearts by Michael Segell
Cover of the book The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Segell
Cover of the book Aura by Michael Segell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy