Klarinet Archive - Posting 000125.txt from 1997/10

From: "Frederick S. Sterns" <fssterns@-----.net>
Subj: Bass Clarinet...clefs...transposition!
Date: Sat, 4 Oct 1997 22:49:49 -0400

****Because no one responded to the query below I assume it somehow got
lost in the ether...consequently I am re-sending it with the hope that it
makes the list this time and will produce some responses.****

Having recently reviewed a sizeable collection of messages on Sneezy I am
bold enough now to suggest that I may actually *understand* the
complexities of the notation schemes for bass clarinet and for transposing
parts in A or C on the Bb instrument. May I test my newfound knowledge with
the group by making a number of statements that can be addressed as "true"
or "false?"

[1] Prior to this Century most bass clarinet parts were written in the bass
clef...and these are to be read in the traditional fashion [the line above
the staff is C] and the sound in concert key is one half-tone below.

[2] ...but...for reasons of convenience, often to avoid a stack of ledger
lines above the staff, some of these parts mentioned above were also
written in the treble clef...and these should be transposed *up* an octave
in order to sound a half step below the actual notation.

[3] Neither of the above "rules" are absolute and it is always desirable
[necessary?] to examine the score to determine which octave the note is
actually in...and adjust accordingly.

[4] To play an A bass clarinet part on a Bb instrument [e.g.,
Rachmaninoff's Symphony No.2], read the bass clef traditionally but lower
the notes one-half tone.

[5] ...same for any A part written in the treble clef [e.g., Mahler's
Symphony No. 7]...read the treble clef traditionally but lower the notes a
half tone.

Now we come to bass clarinet parts in C and How to transpose them on the Bb
instrument?...

[6]...play the notes a whole tone up [????????? For some reason my mind
goes out of gear at this point! Can anyone elucidate?]

I recognize that all this no doubt is quite basic to most on this list, but
some of us are making elementary transitions [I, for example, from jazz to
classical playing!] and need primer advice on many of the fundamentals.

Any comments/thoughts/advice will be much appreciated. Fred S.

   
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