Klarinet Archive - Posting 000073.txt from 1995/03

From: Thomas Labadorf <Labadorf@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Transpositions
Date: Fri, 3 Mar 1995 00:14:28 -0500

The only on sight transposition a clarinet(t)ist should do is reading c
clarinet music on a Bb clarinet. To practice, the students can play duet
with a fellow c instrumentalist, or do what I did in high school: Transpose
your band music during regular band rehearsals. (I wouldn't advise this for
someone playing for a conductor with a halfway decent ear. In my case, my
band director couldn't tell the difference.)

As far as transposing A clarinet: Of course, the part should be played on
the right instrument. A clarinets were employed for at least two reasons:
For the darker tone of the instrument (which I think was important for
Brahms), and to make the key signature easier to manage on the earlier model
instrument. If you don't have the A clarinet, then you would have to make do
with the transposed parts and the occasional wrong notes.

I couldn't vouch for trumpet players. I believe they have more transposition
demands that clarinet players.

Tom L