The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Joe
Date: 2001-12-03 15:39
I want to transpose some music written for piano to a key compatible with Bb clarinet. However, ......... the piece I'm interested in is written in the key of A Major, (3 sharps). Applying the old transposing rule "up one note and add 2 sharps" changes this to B Major with FIVE sharps. Not too much fun to play!! What are my alternatives? What other key can I transpose to and still be able to play the piece along with the piano?
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Author: sarah
Date: 2001-12-03 15:58
You could play it on an A clarinet. it would be in the key of C then.
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Author: Joe
Date: 2001-12-03 18:09
Great idea, Sarah .......... one small problem: no A clarinet!
ALL suggestions appreciated!
Joe.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-12-03 18:09
You might transpose the piano part instead. The piano would be in the key of G while you are in the written key of A.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-12-03 18:13
If the piece isn't fast, now is the time to dig in and learn to play somewhat comfortably in 5 sharps. Get comfortable with playing the midline B with the little finger of the right hand and the midstaff C# with the little finger of the left hand. The enharmonic key results in seven flats for the clarinet, which is just as bad or worse.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-12-03 22:30
Well done, Dee, just what I was going to suggest, unless a C clarinet is available!
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2001-12-04 00:50
If you go into the piece you may find out there arn't that many #'s. Just because a the piece is written in the key of B there may or may not be a lot of the # you don't know. As Dee say's bite the bullet and go for it.
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Author: Pam
Date: 2001-12-04 02:17
I agree with Dee and Bob. Five sharps is something that you can get used to if you play it regularly. Use the fingering tip that Dee mentioned - right hand B natural, left C sharp and that will make the fingerings easier for you.
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2001-12-04 04:54
If a digital piano with a transposing function is available, your problem is solved.
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2001-12-04 06:03
I found out one queer idea. Maybe usless. Use two not #ed notes E and B(after transposed) with accidental flats.
Transpose only C and G up 2, i.e. to E and B. Write a flat for each of E and B as an accidental. Others are up 1. You can have a transposed 'look-alike(fake) A major' and some accidental flats. Actually,this is the same thing with B major.
If you still does not like 3 #. Transpose C,G,and F up 2, i.e. E,B, A and write a flat for each. You can have save another #. But many accidentals....
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2001-12-04 06:21
Or rather, remove the erase two #s of 5 #s, i.e. #D and #A and write them as accidentals. Same thing. This may be easier.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2001-12-04 12:09
Just learn to play in B major. Us Oehler system players dont find it that hard. We may have trouble reading in Cb however.
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Author: Joe
Date: 2001-12-04 21:44
OK, guys and gals ........ sincere thanks for the variety of suggestions. I'll explore all the alternatives then go for it. This idea of a straightforward approach "play it like its written" may be the way to go.
Again, thanks for the suggestions ......... appreciate all of them.
Joe
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2001-12-05 06:43
FYI. Classic people learn each scale separately as if the base tone is fixed. However, Jazz people just considers the base tone(C) is removing. For example, they consider the base tone D of D major as if it is C removed. (This is difficult to explain.) This makes learning scales much easier.
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