Klarinet Archive - Posting 001051.txt from 1998/03

From: Anne Benassi <acb@-----.is>
Subj: Re: Transposing Clarinet music for Saxaphone
Date: Thu, 19 Mar 1998 23:23:11 -0500

I have taught myself to read various clefs as my approach to transposition
problems.

To play Eb sax music on a Bb clarinet, you should learn to read
mezzo-soprano clef. This same clef will enable you to transpose bass clef
music up a step (good for use in playing continuo parts or bassoon music on
the Bb clarinet).

Conversely, if you want to play Bb clarinet music on an Eb sax, use baritone
clef. Baritone clef also enables Bb clarinetists to transpose basset horn
or horn music.
Soprano clef will enable you to read treble clef piano music on the Eb sax.

This sounds like going the long way around, but I don't really think it is
when all is said and done. I use alto clef almost daily to transpose C parts
up a step, tenor clef less often to transpose Bb parts down a step (if I'm
playing clarinet music on a flute, for example), and mezzo soprano clef
quite often for the above-mentioned transposition of bass clef music.

There are excellent books available to help you to learn the clefs that meet
your needs the most:

MANUEL PRATIQUE by Georges Dandelot
published by Max Eschig 215, Rue Faubourg Saint-Honori, PARIS
This one contains well-organized exercises in reading all seven clefs. You
may find it deadly dull, but it's splendid material.

Solfege des Solfeges
published by Editions Henri Lemoine 24, Rue Pigalle, 75009 PARIS
(several volumes available, one or more for each clef; these books contain
lovely little songs to play or sing in the clef in question. Piano
accompaniment books are also available).

A rudimentary knowledge of French is a help when using these books. I
recommend them highly. Be patient, and the work will pay off. I became a
competent transposer of tonal music in a month's time just by reading
Dandelot exercises in the evenings and, after a while, playing the songs
from Solfege des Solfeges.

Hope this info is of use and not just a turn-off. Best of luck, Anne

At 03:47 PM 3/19/98 EST, you wrote:
>I was wondering how I would transpose clarinet or piano music to be played on
>the saxaphone. I can transpose music I just don't remember how to transpose
>clarinet or piano to sax if somebody could tell me I would greatly appreciate.
>
>