"I remember once, when I started writing for the alto saxophone, a saxophonist told me to think of it as being like a cross between an oboe and a viola, but louder"

Gavin Bryars' quote supplies an insightful perspective into the tonal qualities and meaningful capabilities of the alto saxophone by comparing it to 2 unique instruments: the oboe and the viola. This analogy uses a nuanced understanding of the saxophone's place within the household of musical instruments.

The oboe is known for its abundant, permeating noise and its capability to cut through an orchestral texture with clarity. This particular reflects the upper register and the concentrated tonal quality of the saxophone. The contrast here suggests that when writing for the alto saxophone, one must consider its capacity for producing clear, singing lines that can stand out against a complicated background, just like an oboe does.

On the other hand, the viola, with its warm and mellow noise, represents the saxophone's ability to produce smooth, lyrical, and resonant tones, specifically in its middle and lower registers. The viola often provides the inner consistencies and includes depth to an ensemble, recommending that the saxophone can similarly contribute a rich, sonorous quality that boosts the harmonic fabric of the music.

The expression "but louder" highlights the saxophone's vibrant range and volume capacity. Unlike the oboe and viola, the saxophone possesses an effective projection that can fill an area with sound, making it versatile across different musical categories. This additional vibrant ability implies that the saxophone can assert itself in both solo and ensemble settings, bringing strength and existence to the leading edge of a musical piece.

By comparing the alto saxophone to both the oboe and viola, Bryars highlights the instrument's flexibility, efficient in providing both the piercing clarity of an oboe and the warm, expressive qualities of a viola. This interpretation encourages composers to check out the saxophone's vibrant and tonal scheme completely, considering both its capability to mix with other instruments and to project boldly with expressive power.