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Re: C3 or C4

Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-07-15 18:07

"I think the idea of transposing instruments is very good. I definitely think it's better than learning new fingerings for each member of the family (regardless of whether the transposition is an octave or any interval)."

An excellent point that gave me pause as I was thinking about the world without transposition. As much as it appears to be a hassle (and for some it would be) I imagine that this wouldn't be as difficult as it seems. When I play saxophone I don't become confused about reading the music, despite the fact that the finger patterns are similar and the note reading is different. (And as far as uncomfortable keys go you don't hear flautists and violinists bemoaning the lack of instruments in B.)

Certainly there are those who are extremely comfortable with all the transpositions that we need to be able to do and can do so on sight. When I was young I could read A parts on Bb clarinet relatively easily. Now I don't...I have an A clarinet.

"I am interested in reasons why bass clef makes more sense that are more important [then my reasons for staying in treble clef]."

Because we would be reading the notes in the octave that they sound. (Of course this will never change...too many clarinetists trained, too much music printed, no real reason to!).

I have never stated that we should change from what already exists. I described what would have made more sense from the beginning (if we could go back and change it). Do you believe that it's easier for bass clarinetists to have to accommodate differences based on the country of origin and composer/publisher's intentions? Wouldn't one system have been simpler? Why shouldn't the bass clarinet be written in its' sounding pitches when most instruments ARE given their sounding pitches?

If you rewrite or arrange music that is uncomfortably written for you that is the solution that works for you (and many!). I read bass clef now because I play in bass clef (along with treble).

James

Gnothi Seauton

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C3 or C4 new

alanporter

2008-07-15 01:20