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 Viola Transposition
Author: terry 
Date:   2002-11-04 22:56

Is there an intelligent way to sight transpose Viola Music?

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 RE: Viola Transposition
Author: Lori 
Date:   2002-11-04 23:39

The way I would do it would be to add two sharps to the key signature, then read the viola part in bass clef.

For example, the middle C for viola is on the 3rd line. The transposition for clarinet has to be up one step on Bb clarinet. You'd have to play a D on the clarinet to match the viola's C. The 3rd line on the staff is a D in bass clef.

Call me crazy...

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 RE: Viola Transposition
Author: sfalexi 
Date:   2002-11-05 03:00

I wouldn't necesarliy just "add two sharps". I don't know if that works every time, but take whatever key it's in and transpose it to one full step key up. For instance, if it's in Key of D (2 sharps), you're in E (4 sharps). Perhaps two sharps works, but this is fool proof. And yes, read whatever note is above the note printed. If a middle C in printed, play a d. And remember the new key signature. That's it. Relatively simple compared to other transpositions.

Alexi

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 RE: Viola Transposition
Author: rmk 
Date:   2002-11-05 03:15

Alexi,

You may not be aware of this but the Viola is generally written in Alto clef, so middle C occurs on the third line of the staff.

If you reread your post you will see that you actually confirmed Lori's method of adding two sharps (or cancelling two flats) to the existing key signature.

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 RE: Viola Transposition
Author: sfalexi 
Date:   2002-11-05 03:39

I didn't know about what staff it was printed on. I haven't even taken any music theory courses. I just play the clarinet! I just remember I had to transpose a Viola part in order to play with her and strengthen the section and that was what I was told to do. I start my music theory classes next semester. I'm not too excited about the classes, but along with the classes come a one hour a week lesson! WOO HOO!!!!

Alexi

PS - Lori, once again, I wasn't doubting you, just didn't know for sure if that worked EVERY time. I guess I just confirmed that it did. hehe. Awesome job then Lori! I'll come back to you when I need to transpose other things. ;-)

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 RE: Viola Transposition
Author: terry 
Date:   2002-11-05 10:15

Could we start again?
1. please note that Viola is in the C Clef, not bass or treble clef.
2. an intelligent sight reading method would not involve double
transpositions while playing.

any ideas?
thanks!
terry

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 RE: Viola Transposition
Author: Robert 
Date:   2002-11-05 10:59

The best way is the way suggested by Lori:
-Add two sharps to the key signature, or subtract two flats
-Read the viola part (written in alto clef) AS IF it was written in bass clef.

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 RE: Viola Transposition
Author: David Pegel 
Date:   2002-11-05 22:27

You don't have an easy solution. You just haved to learn to read alto. And while your at it, read tenor, soprano, and bass clef... all at he same time... blindfolded... and enjoy it, for Pete's sake!

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