Klarinet Archive - Posting 000428.txt from 1997/02

From: "David C. Blumberg" <reedman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Transposing-Correction
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 1997 10:10:17 -0500

Ah, it is so easy to make a mistake when writing of transposing.

Scott wrote:
Suppose you want to transpose a part from an instrument that is NOT
>in the key of C? The process is the same, but now you have to figure out
>how many steps you have to move based on the "difference" between YOUR key
>and THEIR key. To play a part written for Eb alto sax, you would need to
>shift up 2.5 steps (Bb->C is one step, C->D is one step, D->Eb is a half
>step) and also shift the key signature up 2.5 steps: if the part were
>written in the key of D for sax, you would now play in the key of F (key
>signature: Bb).

The calculation is wrong! 2.5 steps up from D is G, not F.
G is the correct transposition.
Just don't let it happen on a job! :)

At 09:24 AM 2/13/97 -0500, Scott D. Morrow wrote:
>>This may sound stupid, but many of you have written, "add X amount of
>>sharps when transposing to X instrument..." When I have done this in the
>>past, it has not sounded quite right and I was wondering if I am supposed
>>to start on a different note or something. I usually end up transposing
>>as I play by ear:( Thanks in advance for your help.
>>
>>Kumquat
>>Ryan Lowe
>>ryan@-----.edu
>
>
>Ryan,
> ABSOLUTELY! That part must have been left out by whoever explained
>it! Transposition involves starting on a different note and playing it in
>the key that results from moving to that note (i.e., moving every single
>note a specific interval feom the original note.)
>
>Example:
>
> You want to play on clarinet (Bb) a part that was originally
>written for oboe (C). Suppose the oboe part is written in the key of D (F#
>and C# in the key signature.). Since a Bb instrument sounds one step lower
>than a C instrument (when a "C" instrument plays a C, we have to play a D
>to get a note that matches), in order to play this oboe part at the same
>pitch it would sound on an oboe, we need to shift EVERY note up one full
>step. If the part were written in the key of C, it's rather easy to see
>that we would now be playing in the key of D (i.e., shift each note up one
>step and change the key signature to F# and C#). In the example above,
>however (the oboe part in the key of D already), we now shift everything up
>one step and move into the key of E (4 sharps).
> Suppose you want to transpose a part from an instrument that is NOT
>in the key of C? The process is the same, but now you have to figure out
>how many steps you have to move based on the "difference" between YOUR key
>and THEIR key. To play a part written for Eb alto sax, you would need to
>shift up 2.5 steps (Bb->C is one step, C->D is one step, D->Eb is a half
>step) and also shift the key signature up 2.5 steps: if the part were
>written in the key of D for sax, you would now play in the key of F (key
>signature: Bb).
> Now, the infamous "correct clarinet" problem: Your director gives
>you your part and it says "Clarinet in A"! You only have a Bb clarinet, so
>what do you do? To transpose from a part for an A instrument to a part for
>a Bb instrument, you have to shift DOWN a half step: you start one half
>step lower than the note that is written and you shift the key signature
>down one half step as well. This will usually put it into a horrible key
>with more sharps than you ever knew existed, but that's how it works!
>Thus, if the A part were written in the key of C, you would start one half
>step down and use the key signature for the key of B (F#, C#, G#, D#, E#,
>A#). (SHORTCUT: just "flat" every note and play as written!)
> Be aware, though, that some instruments are written an octave
>higher or lower than they actually sound (piccolos are written lower, some
>bass instruments are written higher), so in addition to moving all your
>notes a specific interval and changing your key signature, you also may
>have to shift everything by an octave!
>
> I hope this helps!
>
>-Scott
>
>
>Scott D. Morrow
>Department of Biochemistry
>School of Hygiene and Public Health
>Johns Hopkins University
>(410) 955-3631
>
>SDM@-----.edu
>
>
David C. Blumberg
reedman@-----.com
Principal Clarinet Riverside Symphonia
Adjunct Woodwind Instructor Univ. of Penn,. Bryn Mawr College
Foundation of Arts and Musical Excellence Summer Music Festival (FAME)