After a student asked how to tell the difference between the alto and tenor saxophones, I thought I’d suggest this album by the Berlin Saxophone Quartet. It’s a lovely recording of J.S. Bach’s ‘The Art of the Fugue’, arranged for a saxophone quartet in SATB format (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone). I find it ideal for helping you to tell the main saxophones apart by their register, but even more importantly, by their timbre. Since these are baroque compositions in fugue, the voices are used to create melodies (rather than harmonies), so it should be pretty easy to follow along aurally and hear how each one develops.
It’s a really excellent interpretation that focuses on the articulations used in the baroque, as well as the type of sound on the classical saxophone and the formality of the compositions.
The Art of Fugue is still used in composition schools today to teach counterpoint, fugue, handling techniques and voice relationships. It’s a definitive work that showcases the genius and musical reflection of its composer.
I really hope you enjoy it and find it helpful!