Klarinet Archive - Posting 000661.txt from 2002/09

From: "CLARK FOBES " <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Bass clarinet parts
Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2002 19:58:53 -0400

I suspect one could get into all kinds of trouble transposing bass clarinet
parts and then offering copies!

It is a fact of life for bass clarinetists that a sizeable portion of the
repertoire is written in bass clef. There is also a fair amount that is
bass clef in "A". Anyone who is serious about playing bass clarinet must
learn to read bass clef. It just isn't that hard!
Learning bass clef is just one of those musical skills that clarinetists
should learn along with transposition. (C transposition and A
transposition). It is much easier than learning a new language and it will
"open" you ears. When transposing one must always think in terms of "key"
and hear the intervals.

As far as I am concerned, writing out the part is much more tedious and
less enjoyable than learining it in the clef it was written.

Clark W Fobes

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