Why is trumpet music transposed??

oldlips48 · 07-08-2008, 06:14 PM

I've done some searching of the forums and I've come across great discussions on approaches to transposing and the different key trumpets that have been developed through the years (Robin, your knowledge in this area is amazing!). But none answered the (I think fundamental) question I have.

Why are trumpet students taught to read a C on the page when the tone coming out of the trumpet is Bb?

I learned trombone in high school to play in the jazz band and they are written in concert pitch, why isn't the same done with trumpets?

Thanks in advance,
Steve

Matt o-iii<O · 07-08-2008, 07:45 PM

It's an interesting question... I've thought about it myself as I double on Trom and Eupho.
I guesss it's also in regards to the relative range of the instrument?

Trumpet Dad · 07-08-2008, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldlips48

Why are trumpet students taught to read a C on the page when the tone coming out of the trumpet is Bb?

I believe it is so that you do not have to learn new fingerings for each different pitched trumpet. All of the fingerings are the same whether you play a B-flat trumpet, C, D, E, or E-flat.

A 'C' is fingered the same (all valves up) on any trumpet. The sound that comes out of the bell however, will be the pitch that the trumpet is keyed in.

max3k · 07-08-2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trumpet Dad

I believe it is so that you do not have to learn new fingerings for each different pitched trumpet. All of the fingerings are the same whether you play a B-flat trumpet, C, D, E, or E-flat.

A 'C' is fingered the same (all valves up) on any trumpet. The sound that comes out of the bell however, will be the pitch that the trumpet is keyed in.

That should tell you how lazy trumpet players are....

MaynardTrumpet · 07-08-2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max3k

That should tell you how lazy trumpet players are....

No. It's common sense so you don't have to learn new fingerings every time. Trust me, there are trumpet players that can play 3 other instruments, that proves you wrong about us being lazy. We're not, do you know how difficult it is to actually play trumpet?

Bach219 · 07-08-2008, 11:42 PM

I play 2 other instruments.

CHAMP · 07-09-2008, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bach219

I play 2 other instruments.

how well?

Trumpet guy · 07-09-2008, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldlips48

I've done some searching of the forums and I've come across great discussions on approaches to transposing and the different key trumpets that have been developed through the years (Robin, your knowledge in this area is amazing!). But none answered the (I think fundamental) question I have.

Why are trumpet students taught to read a C on the page when the tone coming out of the trumpet is Bb?

I learned trombone in high school to play in the jazz band and they are written in concert pitch, why isn't the same done with trumpets?

Thanks in advance,
Steve

I think this is because it makes more sense for the fundamental pitch to be labeled "C" as the C is one of the basics of music. Do is C. Piano students are taught notes in reference to middle C.
I find that Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba are the ones written strangely. Every other instrument has it's fundamental pitch written as C. Written C on an F horn is concert F. Written C on an Eb Trumpet is concert Eb. But Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba are Bb instruments, yet they are notated like C instruments where written C is concert C. Although I believe British Brass Bands have everything written in Bb for all Bb instruments.

Patric_Bernard · 07-09-2008, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaynardTrumpet

No. It's common sense so you don't have to learn new fingerings every time. Trust me, there are trumpet players that can play 3 other instruments, that proves you wrong about us being lazy. We're not, do you know how difficult it is to actually play trumpet?

I'm pretty sure max was just joking lol. It is not very difficult to play trumpet, but it is very difficult to play the trumpet well, as is any other instrument. I think we have to look into this alot deeper than just trumpet. Baritone is in the key of C, and so is there music. Alto's are in the key of Eb, and so is there music. (Sorry if I got that wrong, I'm pretty sure there in Eb lol) I think they write in the key that the intrument is in just for the sake of complicity.

Vulgano Brother · 07-09-2008, 02:09 AM

The fundamental pitch of a natural trumpet is generally notated as "C" (Handel being a rare exception). The overtone series produces another C an E, a G, a Bb, another C, a D, E, F(#) etc. If we think of an instrument producing the overtone series, it makes sense to notate music in this fashion.

When valves were added, the first trumpets were pitched in the key of F, and parts were written for F trumpet, with concert F notated as a C. The Bb trumpet, more secure in the high notes, made it's way into the orchestra, and was also transposed.

Our written C sounds Bb. No big deal, since our complete training includes transposition.

If you can't transpose, you're not in the trumpeter's club.

07-08-2008, 06:14 PM	#1
oldlips48 Piano User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 290	Why is trumpet music transposed?? I've done some searching of the forums and I've come across great discussions on approaches to transposing and the different key trumpets that have been developed through the years (Robin, your knowledge in this area is amazing!). But none answered the (I think fundamental) question I have. Why are trumpet students taught to read a C on the page when the tone coming out of the trumpet is Bb? I learned trombone in high school to play in the jazz band and they are written in concert pitch, why isn't the same done with trumpets? Thanks in advance, Steve __________________ I gotta get me one of those cool slogans.....

07-08-2008, 07:45 PM	#2
Matt o-iii<O Pianissimo User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 72	Re: Why is trumpet music transposed?? It's an interesting question... I've thought about it myself as I double on Trom and Eupho. I guesss it's also in regards to the relative range of the instrument? __________________

07-08-2008, 11:42 PM	#6
Bach219 Mezzo Piano User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MI Posts: 525	Re: Why is trumpet music transposed?? I play 2 other instruments. __________________ Raw brass Bach TR300 Vincent Bach 3C Vincent Bach 7C Vincent Bach Corp. 10.5C I didn't want to get that ring around my lips from practicing the trumpet, because I thought the girls wouldn't like me. So I never practiced.- Wynton Marsalis

07-09-2008, 02:09 AM	#10
Vulgano Brother Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 4,253	Re: Why is trumpet music transposed?? The fundamental pitch of a natural trumpet is generally notated as "C" (Handel being a rare exception). The overtone series produces another C an E, a G, a Bb, another C, a D, E, F(#) etc. If we think of an instrument producing the overtone series, it makes sense to notate music in this fashion. When valves were added, the first trumpets were pitched in the key of F, and parts were written for F trumpet, with concert F notated as a C. The Bb trumpet, more secure in the high notes, made it's way into the orchestra, and was also transposed. Our written C sounds Bb. No big deal, since our complete training includes transposition. If you can't transpose, you're not in the trumpeter's club. __________________ "A tool good enough to be so used and not too good" C.S. Lewis That Hideous Strength www.letsbuildhope.org

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