The Cambridge Companion to the Saxophone tells the story of the saxophone, its history and technical development from Adolphe Sax (who invented it c.1840) to the end of the 20th century. It includes extensive accounts of the instrument's history in jazz, rock and classical music as well as providing practical performance guides. Discussion of the repertoire and soloists from 1850 to the present day includes descriptions of contemporary techniques and trends, and moves into the electronic age with midi wind instruments. There is a discussion of the function of the saxophone in the orchestra, in light music and in rock and pop studios, as well as of the saxophone quartet as an important chamber music medium.