Klarinet Archive - Posting 000045.txt from 1996/01
From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU> Subj: Re: Klezmer Keys Date: Wed, 3 Jan 1996 14:29:46 -0500
Joe,
Unless it says otherwise, All printed Klezmer leadsheets are
assumed to be in concert pitch, which means we clarinetists have to
do some 'C' transposition. Get used to it because there's really no other
option. Sometimes one can negotiate keys, if the rhythm section is a)
competent and b) willing, but usally everyone has learned it in one key
and it's too confusing to do it in another. When my band does tunes, we
usually figure out the key which is the best compromise of comfort for
all involved, from the C instruments (violin, accordion, piano, trombone)
to the non (clarinet, sax, trumpet). This is what is in my mind when I
do either a transcription or write my own Klezmer tunes, and have to
decide on a key. I have done quite a few transcriptions where I
transposed the entire piece to make it more playable for the violin.
Usually it is in some absurd key because it was easy for the clarinet and
the particular band which wrote it didn't have a violin to worry about.
Dave Tarras wrote quite a few tunes like this. Conversely, I have
occasionally transposed a tune which was written with 'c' instruments in
mind and is very awkward for the b-flat clarinet.
I know of no transcription for the "Russishe Sher". Why not get
the "Complete Klezmer book and see? I take it that you are dabbling in
Klezmer, since you ask such precise questions, so it would be a very
logical purchase. Hope all this helps.
Fred Jacobowitz
Machaya Klezmer Band (with two recordings out, now)
On Tue, 2 Jan 1996, Joseph M Izen wrote:
> A kwestion for klezmer klarinet players:
>
> Do people generally play klezmer tunes in the 'right' key? Are tunes
> particularly easy in the key that they were written for? When people get
> together to jam, do you have to negotiate keys, or does every know the
> tunes in the same key?
>
> Unrelated question:
> Do you know of any written transcription of I.J.Hochman's Russiche Sher?
> Is it in any of the Tara Books?
>
> THanks! -joe
>
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