Klarinet Archive - Posting 000233.txt from 2000/03

From: SDSCHWAEG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] A Clarinet
Date: Tue, 7 Mar 2000 06:54:10 -0500

In a message dated 3/7/00 12:26:53 AM Central Standard Time,
bhunter@-----.com writes:

<< Kristin jordheimco@-----.com writes:
(Snip)
>How about the organist transposing down to meet you ??
(Snip)

I would appreciate someone taking the time to explain this situation to me.
Why is it that the person who has to read/play 3 lines with two clefs, with
possibly 3 key signatures, and maybe 3 time signatures and up to five notes
with each hand (plus feet), is expected to transpose, sometimes
sight-transposing for people reading/playing one line, one clef, one time
signature, one key signature, and one note? >>

Because, as Kristin explained in her original post, the organist doesn't
really have to transpose at all. Many church organs have automatic
transposers on them - you just "dial up" or "dial down" as many half steps as
you like. The organist plays from the original music in the original key,
but the organ sounds in whatever key they want it to. That way, not only can
things be arranged so that a transposing instrument can play without
transposing, but a vocal soloist can also request to sing in a specific key
to suit their range. Obviously, this is not an option if you have
transposing and nontransposing instruments playing together (or transposing
instruments in different keys), and most church pianists (at least, me and
the ones I've heard!) couldn't do it unless they were on an electric
keyboard. But, as far as clarinet and organ is concerned, it's really the
easiest solution.

Susan Schwaegler

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