Alex Yates

So, what is your horn d'jour on this piece? On the Bflat part, without a doubt I use a C trumpet. Now, on the Eflat part, we have a choice. Is it C or Bflat for you guys? I am doing it on Bflat, but when it gets to the E transposition (up a tritone) at 81, I sometimes wish I were playing C.

I also notice the Battle Scene tempos on my European recordings are quite a bit slower and deliberate than my American recordings. It is just a few clicks, but it makes a different impact. Any opinions?

Lawler Bb

Good questions! I am curious as well. I have studied it exactly how you have Alex, though my old teacher told me he prefers both parts on C trumpet.

cornetguy

For the Bb parts C

For 1st Eb Bb and C
2nd Eb Bb for whole part.

tpter1

When I practice it I use only a C. Never thought to use a Bb on it. I'll give that a try. Tritone...eeesh. Prepare for some brain twisting!

Clarino

Why not use Bb or C trumpet throughout?


When transposing for trumpet in E using Bb trumpet I don't think of a tritone I do it the same as trumpet in Eb but placing the key sig in F# transferring accidentals as needed. (assuming the written part is in C maj ie no Key Sig)


BtW, why would you use a C trumpet to play a Bb part if you had a Bb trumpet on stage to play the Eb part?

Alex Yates

I am definitely using Bflat throughout and honestly, I just memorize the section in E. It really isn't that difficult, it just looks messy. Heck, it looks a mess in any key or clef. LOL.

Clarino - As far as your question about playing the Bflat part on C - it just sits nicer on C and seems fitting for the character of the fanfares.

wiseone2

There are TWO first trumpet parts. One in B, and one in Es The Es part is usually played on the B trumpet, the B part goes great on the C.
Wilmer

MrClean

There's no rule that says you can't switch to a C trpt for the E transposition - that's what I do. Bb on the rest. We've got the tools. Might as well use 'em.

J

Clarino

Maurice Murphy would be proud!
Having said that. transposing for trumpet in E on your C trumpet shouldn't be too hard, it's just like trumpet in D on the Bb trumpet.




If that's how it feels for you I'd be very tempted just to do the whole thing on C trumpet.


Thanks for the info Wilmer, as you may have guessed I'm not familiar with the score for this piece!

Alex Yates

I see what you're saying J. On stage in performance, I would have no problem switching if I so desired, but on an audition, I prefer to stay on the same instrument. I have done it both ways in performances of the past.

Similarly, I do a switch on "American in Paris". I play it entirely on C except for the slow solo. For some reason, it just feels right playing it on Bflat. I guess it brings out my inner jazzer.

Clarino - I get you. The whole point of switching to C trumpet on the "E" part is because the transposition is easy. Having said that, it isn't worth switching horns (for me) just for that section when the rest of the part sits nicely on Bflat. I prefer to just memorize that section and eliminate a horn switch that really isn't necessary. I think you are getting confused. Refer to Wilmer's post. There are two first parts with their own voices in the piece - one in Bflat and one in Eflat. The Bflat part, in its entirety fits nicely on C and I do use a C trumpet for the entire thing. It is the Eflat part that goes into "E" for a short section. When playing this part on Bflat, the transpostion is up a P4, EXCEPT for the short section Strauss notated in "E". THAT is the part in question for most. To switch or not to switch......that is the question. I prefer to stay on one horn at this point in my life even though I have dabbled with switching in the past.