Klarinet Archive - Posting 000891.txt from 1997/03

From: Dick Walters <waltersd@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Basic transposition question
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 20:00:05 -0500

Schoendorf, Kenneth C. wrote:
>
> I have a basic question regarding transposing from C parts to B-flat or A
> clarinets. Are there technical or aesthetic reasons to prefer one clarinet
> over the other when reading a part written in C (I have parts for clarinet
> written in C as well as occasional oboe parts (due to personnel
> limitations))? In my limited experience, some parts seem to play easier on
> the B-flat (e.g., pieces in concert C) while others may be easier on the A
> (e.g., some pieces in concert D). At this tender stage of development, I'd
> like to start by concentrating on learning to transpose to one instrument
> well. So, what advice do you have regarding the merits of starting with the
> B-flat as opposed to the A, or vice-versa?
>
> Thanks for your assistance,
>
> ----Ken
I'm certainly not an expert, but have done a lot of transposing playing
in church groups for a couple decades. Most of that music is written in
concert keys for fretted instruments, etc. It's pretty easy to
transpose to Bb "on the fly" so to speak since it's read a step higher
as opposed to an "A" clarinet. On the other hand, much church music is
written in "Emaj" which transposed to F# and "Amaj" which goes to B and
the A clarinet is a lot easier for a new clarinetist to play (G and C
respectively), but you almost have to wright it out.

The "C" clarinet would seem a natural solution, but in my opinion it's
hard to find one that sounds half as good as a Bb of A clarinet.

Best,

Dick Walter