Klarinet Archive - Posting 001053.txt from 1997/09

From: DGross1226@-----.com
Subj: Transposing Bass Clarinet Parts
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 00:42:15 -0400

In a message dated 97-09-22 10:34:28 EDT, Steve Prescott writes:

<< I can't agree with you more. I do, however, pay people to "transpose" bass
clef bass clarinet parts (I've never told anybody this...but I'll tell you
all). This is because I'm not used to it; I don't do it that often. Not
reading bass clef often, I'm forced to consider it transposing. Of course
there is German bass clef too. I should spend more time with bass clef but I
don't...somewhat embarrassed! >>

Steve,

Perhaps the following will make you feel better. I once had the great
pleasure of playing bass clarinet with the Glendale (CA) Community Orchestry
performing Rachmaninov's Symphony No. 2. The part is written in bass clef
for bass clarinet in A. After another clarinetist with the Pasadena (CA)
Symphony who worked in the music department of the Los Angeles Public Library
sent me a virtually unreadable transposition handwritten on the original
part, I called the bass clarinetist with the Pacific (Orange County, CA),
Symphony for help. She told me that she had previously had the part
professionally transposed. Howver, to recover part of her cost, she'd let me
have a copy for a nominal price -- which I gladly paid!

When asked why someone playing with a major symphony and could transpose A,
Bb, and C clarinet parts at will would have the part transposed, she replied
(my paraphrase) "because I get paid for NOT making mistakes, and tranposing a
7th on a bass clarinet on the fly at those tempi is just too big a risk."

Sure made me feel better!

Don Gross
La Canada, California

p.s. If you ever need a copy of the Bb bass clarinet treble clef part for
Rachmaninov 2, let me know. Do I have a deal for you!

p.p.s. The only downside of the transposed part is having to play in 6 flats
and/or 5 sharps for much of the work. Unfortunately, Dan had already sold
his bass clarinet in A when I got the original gig.