Ivo Lille

The Formation of Classical Saxophone Playing and Repertory in Estonia: Until 1980 Ivo Lille

This study is observing the formation and development of classical saxophone playing and repertory in Estonia. It examines the circumstances of the arrival of the instrument in Estonia, the first players, as well as the development of the repertory and teaching. The study covers the period from approximately 1920, when the popular dance music brought the instrument to Estonia, to 1980, when the special saxophone class was opened at Tallinn State Conservatory. As an introduction an overview is made about the story of invention of the saxophone and its usage in Europe and America from the mid nineteenth century to the beginning of the twentieth century.