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Help! Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck) - transpose?

Author: Rebecca Naylor
Date: 2012-11-21 01:22

I just joined a new community orchestra. I've played clarinet for years, but just returned to it last year after many years away.

My new orchestra is playing Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. It is written for clarinet in Bb at the beginning, and then switches to clarinet in A. I do not have access to an A clarinet, nor have I ever played one!

My question:

Is it okay to just transpose the A part and play it on a Bb instrument? In that case, would I be lowering each note in the 'A' section by a single step (a semi-tone)?

That said, does anyone know where I could access this piece already transposed entirely for Bb clarinet to save myself the work???

Much thanks!

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Re: Help! Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck) - transpose?

Author: kdk
Date: 2012-11-21 02:34

I assume you're playing the overture? Any other excerpts?

You might phone Lucks Music Co. and ask if the published parts they sell include a transposed part. The website lists a set of transposed parts for the overture (which can be bought separately for $3 each) - probably includes Bb clarinets, F French horns and Bb trumpets.They indicate Schott as the original source of their reprint, which is also the edition Kalmus used, so Kalmus may also have transposed parts available.

Yes, you'd lower each note in the A clarinet part by a half-step to play it on a Bb clarinet. Whether it's "OK" or not, if you don't have an A clarinet available, you need to play on what you have. If you're going to play a lot of orchestral music, though, you should consider trying to buy an A clarinet. There's a lot of literature that uses it. Or get good at transposing.

Karl

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Re: Help! Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck) - transpose?

Author: Rebecca Naylor
Date: 2012-11-21 11:12

Thanks very much! You are right. I have now been given a copy of the Schott edition.

Thanks for confirming the transposing rule as well, as I'm sure I'll use it again soon!

If I stick with the orchestra long-term, I will definitely look into purchasing an A clarinet.

Cheers,

Rebecca.

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Re: Help! Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck) - transpose?

Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2012-11-21 15:45

At least one of the Kalmus editions of the Overture (probably the first one listed -- no arranger) is for Bb with the A section included as an appendix. The arranged versions may or may not also include the Bb transposition.

http://www.efkalmus.com/

Use the search button near the top of their home page.

Best regards,
jnk

Post Edited (2012-11-21 15:59)

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