Klarinet Archive - Posting 000310.txt from 1997/09

From: Virginia Scarfino <scarfinv@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Transpositions
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 1997 17:22:49 -0400

It can be tricky to remember which way to transpose between A & Bb
clarinets... I have one of each so I don't need to do it very often. But
as a result when there is the odd time I have to (maybe because my part
doesn't give me any time to change instruments), I always forget which
direction to transpose.

What I do to figure it out is simply remember the "tuning notes". When
ever we tune to an A concert, we finger a C on the A clarinet, and a B on
the Bb clarinet.

So, a written C on an A clarinet part sounds an A concert, and a written B
on a Bb clarinet parts sounds an A concert. So I know if I want to use my
Bb clarinet on a A clarinet part, I have to read down a semitone (written C
to a written B to get an A concert), and if I want to use my A clarinet on
Bb clarinet part, I have to read up a semitone (written B to a written C to
get an A concert).

Most often what happens is though is that someone has an A clarinet part,
but only has a Bb clarinet part. If you are in an orchestra, and one of
the clarinet players does haven an A clarinet, just get that person to play
your first note on the A clarinet, and you match the pitch with your Bb
clarinet - you'll quickly realize which direction you have to go!

Ginny Scarfino
Scarfinv@-----.net
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada