Reading music for the A clarinet involves understanding its unique transposition, as the notes written on the staff are not the same as the pitches that actually sound. This instrument is a transposing instrument, meaning what you play differs from what the audience hears.
Understanding A Clarinet Transposition
The A clarinet is pitched in A, which means its music is written a minor third (or three half steps) higher than the actual concert pitch (the pitch that sounds).
- When an A clarinet plays a written C, the actual pitch that sounds is an A.
- Therefore, to determine the sounding pitch from a written note for an A clarinet, you must transpose the written note down a minor third.
- Conversely, if you want to achieve a specific sounding pitch on an A clarinet, you must write the note up a minor third from that desired sounding pitch.
For example, if the music shows a written G, the actual pitch you will hear is an E (a minor third lower than G).
A Clarinet vs. B-flat Clarinet: A Key Comparison
Clarinetists often encounter both A and B-flat clarinets. Understanding the difference in their transpositions is crucial for interpreting parts written for each:
- A Clarinet: The music is written a minor third (three half steps) higher than concert pitch.
- B-flat Clarinet: The music is written a whole step (two half steps) higher than concert pitch.
This difference in transposition directly impacts how parts are written for the two instruments:
- The B-flat clarinet part for a piece will be written one half step lower than the A clarinet part for the same piece.
This means if you have an A clarinet part showing a written C (which sounds as concert A), the equivalent B-flat clarinet part designed to produce the same concert A would be written as a B.
Practical Transposition Guide for A Clarinet
Whether you're a performer reading an A clarinet part or an arranger writing for one, here’s how to manage the transposition:
Transposing Individual Notes
To find the sounding pitch from a written note for the A clarinet, simply count down three half steps.
| Written Note (A Clarinet) | Sounding Note (Concert Pitch) | Interval Down |
|---|---|---|
| C | A | Minor 3rd |
| C# / Db | A# / Bb | Minor 3rd |
| D | B | Minor 3rd |
| D# / Eb | C | Minor 3rd |
| E | C# / Db | Minor 3rd |
| F | D | Minor 3rd |
| F# / Gb | D# / Eb | Minor 3rd |
| G | E | Minor 3rd |
| G# / Ab | F | Minor 3rd |
| A | F# / Gb | Minor 3rd |
| A# / Bb | G | Minor 3rd |
| B | G# / Ab | Minor 3rd |
Adjusting Key Signatures
When playing on an A clarinet, the key signature also changes relative to the sounding key. To find the sounding key from a written key for A clarinet, transpose the key signature down a minor third.
Example:
- If your A clarinet part is written in C Major (no sharps or flats), the music will actually sound in A Major (F#, C#, G#).
- If your A clarinet part is written in G Major (one sharp, F#), the music will actually sound in E Major (F#, C#, G#, D#).
Conversely, if you want the A clarinet to play in a specific concert key, you must write the part in a key a minor third higher than the desired concert key. For instance, to sound in C Major, you would write the part in Eb Major.
Why Use an A Clarinet?
The A clarinet offers distinct advantages that make it indispensable in certain musical contexts:
- Warmer Tone: Many musicians find the A clarinet to have a slightly warmer, mellower tone quality compared to the B-flat clarinet, particularly in the lower register.
- Intonation: It often provides better intonation and ease of playing in keys with many sharps (e.g., A major, E major), which can be quite challenging on a B-flat clarinet.
- Repertoire: Much of the classical and orchestral repertoire, especially from the Romantic era, was originally written for the A clarinet, requiring its use for authentic performance. Composers like Brahms, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky frequently specified the A clarinet.
Tips for Clarinetists
- Practice Transposition: Regularly practice transposing exercises to become comfortable with the minor third interval.
- Familiarize with Common Keys: Understand the relationship between written and sounding keys that are frequently used in A clarinet repertoire.
- Use Transposition Tools: Utilize apps or online resources that can quickly transpose notes for you, especially when learning new pieces.
- Listen Actively: Develop your ear to recognize the difference between the written and sounding pitches, which will enhance your understanding and accuracy.
Understanding the transposition of the A clarinet is fundamental for accurate performance and arrangement. By consistently applying the minor third rule, you can confidently navigate music written for this beautiful instrument.
