I find composing for transposing instruments hard

Question

So I have gotten into writing orchestral works and I have a bit of a problem. You see, I can transpose, but I am not used to adjusting the notation of the transposition.

So if I transpose from C to Bb, I typically just change the key signature to Bb, transpose, and then leave it at that. I don't typically adjust it so that Bb is in the position C is in on most instruments. That looks to me like I would be going forwards with both and than backwards with the notation.

I was thinking that until I get an intuition for the different transpositions and what instruments require it, I should write a chart on a piece of paper where the first column is the concert pitch column for reference and then I transpose the individual notes of the chromatic scale to these keys:

• Bb for Bb clarinet, euphonium, tuba, saxophone(sopranissimo, soprano, tenor, bass, and subcontrabass) and brass band)

• Eb for Eb clarinet, saxophone(sopranino, alto, contrabass)

• F for French horn, English horn, and Basset horn(essentially an F clarinet)

• G for alto flute

• A for A clarinet

• Ab for piccolo clarinet(if I ever write for it)

But how would I get an intuition for it? I mean after years of transposing piano music and after researching transposing instruments, I still have trouble writing for clarinet and especially French horn or alto flute.

Answer 1

So write in concert pitch. Getting out "reverse-transposed" sheet music should be a standard feature of whatever notation software you use, and there rarely is a reason for playing from hand-written scores these days since transcribing has become reasonably simple nowadays.

Answer 2

Your description suggests that you're doing it backwards! A piece in C will need to be written in D for a Bb instrument, in A for an Eb instrument. Has your work been performed?

You can compose using a 'Score in C' or a 'Transposed Score'. There is a growing tendency to use 'Score in C' right through the process, though transposed Parts will be supplied for the individual players. (This is distinct from the modern tendency to eschew key signatures altogether, which can apply to both transposed and non-transposed scores.)

The advantage of a transposed score is that it helps the composer see how the music lies in each instrument's range. Inexperienced composers often make far too much use of the extremes, rather than writing in the comfortable mid-range where the instrument can do its best without struggling technically.

As you're probably composing into a computer notation program, you can have the best of both worlds. It will know the transpositions for all the instruments you're likely to need. Add a 'Trumpet in Bb' to the score, you'll get a stave with the correct transposition built in. And you'll have the choice of switching between Transposed and Untransposed score views. Don't just create generic staves and label them 'Trumpet' etc. USE the facilities of the program!