[TPIN] Bb/A instruments

[Graham Young]

Having the ability to change to A can make passages that are awkward
relatively easy.

Sharp keys that are easy for string players are awkward for Bb brass.
A passage in A major that would be in B for Bb is in C on an A


A passage in Berlioz's Damnation of Faust march is very easy in A but a
finger twister in Bb

Similarly the Light Cavalry Overture in A is much simpler and sonorous.

I have 2 Bb/A rotary trumpets and it is very interesting to play in A as
opposed to Bb. YOU can simply take these A parts and play them

Carmen prelude is simple and no problem on a trumpet in A ( or low F)

I am surprised that makers do not offer slides to change to A 
I think they would be popular. I would certainly want a set.

You can pull a tuning slide down to A but the valve slides are out then.

Perhaps it is related to the tyranny of the C trumpet. ( I won 4 of these
and use them when they suit the work played)

I think we have lost something here.

Any decent clarinet player has an A Clarinet. Is it possible they are
smarter than trumpeters? I have never seen a clarinet player play an A
clarinet part on a C clarinet. I asked one about that and he said he really
did not like C clarinet as the tone gets too shrill. He really doesn't like
Eb clarinet for the same reason.

As an orchestral librarian there are large numbers of works that are for
Clarinet in A are also for trumpet in A. 

Roy Lawler told me that Bb/A switches are difficult to keep both in tune.
He said his choice as a maker would be to build in A by itself.

I think if that a really well built A trumpet could be popular especially
for 2nd and 3rd trumpet parts where C or Bb transposing makes for very
awkward parts. If you think about it an A trumpet also can make E trumpet 
Parts a far simpler transposition. 






Graham J. Young B.Mus. B.Ed.
 
Hamilton Musician Services
 
gjyoung at mountaincable.net
905-928-4671

Easier to play in sharp keys.
I suppose.