Klarinet Archive - Posting 000872.txt from 1997/03

From: Lord Rob <rteitelbaum@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Basic transposition question
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 12:07:42 -0500

I think the big problem with transposition lies in intonation, =
especially if not all the clarinets are transposing. This is a problem =
I'm currently dealing with in Mendelssohn's Elijah--we're doubling the =
2nd part and have only 2 A clarinets, hence I must transpose not only =
the C clarinet part but also the many A clarinet parts. I'm having a =
difficult time tuning to the other clarinets and the rest of the =
orchestra.
As for which to start with, I would start with B-flat. Most =
clarinetists, whether they realize it or not, are already proficient at =
transposing from C to B-flat, because in ensemble rehearsals notes tend =
to be described in concert pitch, forcing the clarinets to transpose =
them. I think going from C to A is much harder, and would not recommend =
it unless you're very left-brained.

Rob Teitelbaum