gimmesomehatsman
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So when does an overtone become an altissimo note?
When it's higher than an F above the staff. Everything above middle C# is an overtone.So when does an overtone become an altissimo note?
This is true. The altissimo range is anything above the top F, and although all notes in the altissimo are overtones, not all overtones in that range are used as altissimo, either due to difficulty of sounding the note or because of intonation. Often additionial fingerings are added to the straight overtone to help with response or intonation, though theoretically if you learned all your overtones you might be able to use any of them for altissmo.When it's higher than an F above the staff. Everything above middle C# is an overtone.
This is true. The altissimo range is anything above the top F, and although all notes in the altissimo are overtones, not all overtones in that range are used as altissimo
Not really. I would define altissimo as anything beyond the regular fingering to F. Of course in the ninteenth century I suppose Eb might have been the most common top note, and then since the second half of the twentieth century F# and G started appearing, so maybe the definition of altissmo is a moveable feast depending on the saxophone you have, however even with an F# saxophone, I'd generally use the old F# altissimo fingering of aux F plus Bb side.Would you call differently front F3 and palm keys F3?
I consider front F3 (not palmF3) the first altissimo note, but there might be some confusion with my own use terms.
<pedantic>What about the E played with the front F key?</pedantic>Would you call differently front F3 and palm keys F3?
I consider front F3 (not palmF3) the first altissimo note, but there might be some confusion with my own use terms.
<pedantic>What about the E played with the front F key?</pedantic>
I tend to agree, you have to blow/voice the two fingerings differently.
Very much "tongue in cheek" sir!That explanation is indeed simple. The acoustic science behind producing of harmonics and the altissimo register is anything but simple.