THEORY Help reverse transposing a Bb instrument please

[mikeymike2000]

OK, so I feel really silly asking this cause I should know how to do this (without a computer) but I am stuck, with no shame, so here goes...

I am re-creating a piece from notation. There is a Bb clarinet in the mix.

The song is in the key of F.

The Bb clarinet part is written in the key of G.

When I enter the notes literally as written it sounds like a train wreck. But when I transpose them up or down 1 whole step or 2 whole steps it sounds like a BIG train wreck.

So, what am I missing here?

If the Bb clarinet notation is written as a D note, what note actually sounds (that should be programmed in the MIDI)?

Thank you in advance.

Also, the first person to unravel this elementary issue for me will get one adult beverage of his/her choice at the rally.

[joyfrost]

Screen Shot 2015-09-18 at 10.50.33 AM.png (40.23 KiB) Viewed 1024 times

Maybe this chart will help! In all my research it seems you need to transpose everything a Major 2nd down (2 half steps down)

You unfortunately can't just drag the midi notes up and down and have the relationships be the same, you'll have to make sure the interval between the notes stays intact by adjusting it accordingly for the key you've dragged it to. (For example the key of F? The only black key should be a Bb and the rest should be white keys. Where as if you're in the key of G, it should all be white keys except the F#)

Good luck! My dad played the clarinet Such a beautiful instrument!

If this doesn't work just post an audio of the clarinet and I'm sure we can help you figure out which concert notes are relative to your played notes

[Russell Landwehr]

If you're using a clarinet sample library, then it should already be tuned to C and you shouldn't have to transpose... right? So if the chart is written for Bb clarinet it stands to reason that you should transpose down a whole step.

Are you sure the part isn't written for an Eb clarinet? Or maybe a C clarinet? I would go try the 1 1/2 step transposition and a Zero transposition and see what happens... could it be that your sample library actually IS tuned to Bb?

[andygabrys]

Okay you are recreating a piece from a transposed score.

A Bb clarinet sounds a major 2nd lower than it is written. Same as a Bb trumpet.

So a written clarinet part showing a C in the middle of the treble clef staff sounds like Bb in concert pitch.

So Joy's chart is good for that.

But you can just write that part into your DAW by playing it straight off the score, then selecting all the notes you just played in (in the piano roll) and drag them down 2 half steps. Done.

You don't have to worry about transposing some of the notes to be "in key".

[eeoo]

Clarinet Capo.

[mikeymike2000]

Thanks for all the replies!

I did play as written and tried to drag piano roll but I think Joy is right that they all may not be proper when dragging.

I will try again tonight when I am less sleep deprived. Haha

Clarinet capo!

[andygabrys]

I did play as written and tried to drag piano roll but I think Joy is right that they all may not be proper when dragging.

you will see.

If the Bb clarinet notation is written as a D note, what note actually sounds (that should be programmed in the MIDI)?

C

[mikeymike2000]

you will see.

OK yes. So I was doing the right thing but there were some issues that made it sound bad.

1) the clarinet has an interval that is creating a dissonance with the bassoon (by design) and then this also creates various dissonances with the main melody line (to accentuate the lyrics).

2) the clarinet velocities were much to forceful and stood out like a truck horn until I brought them down to almost nothing that makes a beautiful tension chord under the melody.

Problem solved! Yay.

So, I think everyone wins a drink for this.

- Joy, you were the first with the chart.
- Russell, you were gonna get one anyway.
- Andy you confirmed the easy way to do it.
- Eeoo, you made me laugh.

Meet me at the lobby bar for your beverages.