Klarinet Archive - Posting 000548.txt from 1995/05

From: John Henninger <bunky@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Writing in Wierd Keys
Date: Fri, 19 May 1995 06:41:30 -0400

My wife and I recently played in a pit orchestra doing "Annie"
Everything was 6 or 7 sharps or flats. Terrible. What made matters
worse was the woodwinds were switching instruments all the time; from
flute to clarinet, 4 measures of alto sax, 16 measure rest and back to
clarinet. The consensus of the conductor and the more experienced
musicians were there are some pianists/composers that just like to play
on the black keys. Several very accomplished pianists have told me that
next to the key of C, 7 sharps or flats are easier than even F or G. I
have the same problem playing at church as we use a service written in
the key of E (4#s). I have no great urge to play in F# (clarinet or
soprano sax) or C# (alto sax) so I am guaranteed to be thankful that I
can pick up my flute and play it as written. Be thankful for small
favors. John