Klarinet Archive - Posting 000082.txt from 1995/03

From: James Sclater <sclater@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Transpositions
Date: Fri, 3 Mar 1995 09:30:53 -0500

I'd like to add my two cents worth here. Having played in
orchestras for ca. 25 years, I must say that there are many times where
the ability to transpose freely from B-flat to A and vice versa is almost
a necessity. Consider the many examples where one must come in on a solo
passage at the beginning of a movement on a "cold" horn. I regularly find
a place to switch horns in the previous movement so that when time for the
solo comes around, I'll be playing on a clarinet which is reasonably warm
and (Hopefully!) in tune. I think the ability to do these transpositions is
essential for the orchestral player. It seems that many decisions as to
which clarinet is used in the score are made on the basis of key, not tone
color. There are also many instances in which transposition of one or two
parts written for A clarinet will enable me to use just one
instrument...this means a lot, esp. at an outdoor gig.

Jim Sclater

James Sclater inet: sclater@-----.edu
Mississippi College (601)925-3445
Clinton, MS 39058