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The Devil's Horn

Sensual, versatile and cool, musician Soweto Kinch celebrates the power of the saxophone. With Courtney Pine. From February 2013.

The saxophone - that brass woodwind horn, is one of the most popular instruments in the world.

Today, it's featured in classical music and pop, with many composers writing significant pieces for its shapely curves.

But for some, the sax produces a devilish sound and it's been shunned by polite society, banished from orchestras and even denounced by governments. It has also been accused of blandness and crowned the king of elevator music.

British jazz musician Soweto Kinch, examines the saxophone's place in history.

An alto player himself, Soweto investigates the instrument's captivating and somewhat turbulent journey through musical and spoken archive.

Featuring:

* Courtney Pine
* Amy Dickson
* Paul Cohen
* Richard Ingham
* David Quantick

Producer James Hale

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2013.

Available now

1 hour

Last on

Thu 10 Apr 2025 00:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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  • Sat 23 Feb 2013 20:00
    BBC Radio 4
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