 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jcannon
Date: 2002-01-20 20:21
Can someone explain why a classical orchestration alternatates between an A and B flat clarinet throughout the piece? Is it because key signatures are better suited to one particular clarinet?
How do you transpose an "A" part to a B flat part? Do you transpose a half step up?
Many thanks.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-01-20 21:23
Hi there - transposition is best learned through trial and error. And yes, the sharper the key - an A might be better suited, likewise the flatter the key - the B flat. A B flat is written one whole tone higher (C major becomes D major) and the A clarinet is written a minor third higher (C major becomes E flat).
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-01-20 21:23
The way I've seen it, though someone could probably explain it better:
Some parts are much less technically demanding on an A clarinet. For example, if you have nothing but 32nd note runs note runs in the key of E on a Bb, you might find it more suitable to just take an A clarinet and play it in F.
Therefore, to go from A to Bb, transpose half a step DOWN to compensate.
Also, there are on or two notes an A clarinet can play below the staff that most Bb's can't, like Low Eb, e.g.
(If I'm wrong someone please correct me on this.)
A clarinets come up occasionally on this board. If you conduct a search you'll probably find some very useful information.
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-01-20 21:23
The way I've seen it, though someone could probably explain it better:
Some parts are much less technically demanding on an A clarinet. For example, if you have nothing but 32nd note runs note runs in the key of E on a Bb, you might find it more suitable to just take an A clarinet and play it in F.
Therefore, to go from A to Bb, transpose half a step DOWN to compensate.
Also, there are one or two notes an A clarinet can play below the staff that most Bb's can't, like Low Eb, e.g.
(If I'm wrong someone please correct me on this.)
A clarinets come up occasionally on this board. If you conduct a search you'll probably find some very useful information.
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Author: Marcia Nottle
Date: 2002-01-21 01:16
We all know that some keys are easier to play in than others. I don't know if that is why composres write for each instrument-I'm just glad that they do! Frequently in orchestral playing, using "the other" instrument will often result in a very difficult key. The notation and fingering for the two are identical, but the "A" sounds a semitone lower then the "Bb" so David you are partly right, and partly wrong about the "A" playing notes that the "Bb" cannot.
Marcia
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Author: William
Date: 2002-01-21 15:40
To transpose an A part on your Bb, play each note one half-step lower. Ex: A part written F, play E on the Bb; A part written Eb, play D on your Bb; Key of D for A clarinet, play every note down one half-step on Bb in key of Db. How this helps and is not "clear as mud." Why do composers write for the A, Bb, C or D clarinets???--maybe because they think that is the sound they are looking for or those were the prevelent instruments of the orchestras they were composing for--I don't know. All I know is that, as clarinetists, we need to own and play all of those instruments or learn to transpose really good I'm look'n for a D clarinet--got all the rest. Good Clarineting to you!!!!!!!!
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