 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Josh Schultze
Date: 2002-02-05 14:59
We have and odd group of two flutists and two clarinetists. We would like to play music written for recorder ensemble but are unsure how to transpose because some recorders are not pitched in C. There are many voices to these ensembles: Descant, Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass. Sometimes the music has 6 parts. I know that the Soprano is C but what about the others? Does anyone know what keys these play in?
Thanks
Josh the Younger
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Author: Blake
Date: 2002-02-05 15:27
Recorder parts are all in C.. except that those that play the alto and the bass recorder are taught different fingerings (think soprano and tenor recorders are like upper register of a clarinet with the lowest note being "c" and the alto and bass recorders are fingered like the lower register with the lowest note being "f".. technically, the alto and bass are in "F" but they teach the players different fingerings.... sooooo.. all the recorder parts are written in "C" so the clarinets would have to transpose into C and probably take the Bass recorder down an octave it wasnt already written in bass clef. My Clarinet quartet uses recorder quartet music sometimes where the soprano line is taken up an octave, alto and tenor as is and the bass recorder part either taken down or played on a bass clarinet. It spreads the parts out so you dont get wierd harmonics. I assume youre planning on putting Flute1 on the sop recorder line (up an octave) flute 2 on the alto recorder line (as is) Bb Sop on the tenor part (as is but transpose into "C") and then the bass recorder on a bass clarinet (as is but transposed into C or if on a Bb down and oct and transposed into C) Hope this helps! Blake
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-02-05 17:58
Josh -
As Blake says, you need to watch for octave transpositions. The soprano recorder plays an octave higher than written (same pitch as a piccolo). Usually, the soprano line will have a treble clef with an "8" above it, indicating the octave up. Often the second line will have the same thing.
It's possible to play clarinet with recorders, but you really have to hold back. I usually use a C clarinet, as much for the lighter sound as to avoid transposing. On the other hand, transposing is excellent practice.
Have fun.
Ken Shaw
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