Glossary
Bb Clarinet
A common transposing instrument where a written C sounds as a Bb (a major 2nd lower).
Example:
If a composer wants a melody to sound in C major, they must write the part for the Bb Clarinet in D major.
Concert Pitch
The actual pitch that is heard when an instrument plays. It is the standard reference for analysis.
Example:
When a Bb trumpet plays a written C, the concert pitch is Bb.
Construction
The physical design of an instrument, which can make certain keys or fingerings easier to play.
Example:
The consistent fingerings across different types of saxophones are due to their similar construction, even though they are transposing instruments.
Eb Alto Saxophone
A common transposing instrument where a written C sounds as an Eb (a minor 3rd higher or major 6th lower).
Example:
If a piece is in concert C major, the part for the Eb Alto Saxophone would be written in A major.
F Horn
A common transposing instrument where a written C sounds as an F (a perfect 5th lower).
Example:
To have an F Horn play a concert C, the musician must read a written G.
Interval Inversions
A technique used in transposition where you reverse the direction and quality of an interval to quickly determine the written note from the sounding note, or vice versa.
Example:
If an instrument sounds a minor 7th below, using interval inversions tells you to transpose up a major 2nd.
Range
The set of pitches an instrument can comfortably produce. Transposition helps instruments play melodies within their optimal range.
Example:
A piccolo and a tuba might play the same melody, but it's written in different keys to suit each instrument's comfortable range.
Transposing Instruments
Instruments where the written notes do not match the actual pitches heard, requiring a 'secret code' between composer and musician.
Example:
A composer writes a C for a transposing instrument like a trumpet, but the audience hears a Bb.
Transposition
The process of writing music for a transposing instrument so that the audible pitch matches the intended pitch.
Example:
To make a Bb clarinet sound a C, you must perform transposition and write a D for the player.