Orchestral score reading

Question 1

Which instruments are non-tranposing instruments?

Answer 1

Violoncello
Viola (although different clef)
Violins 1 and 2
Bassoons
Oboes
Flutes

Question 2

Which instruments are transposing instruments? i.e. you need to tranpose their notes to get their ‘real’ note?

Answer 2

Clarinets
Trumpets
Horns

Question 3

Brass are in D in the Haydn vs. the other instruments in C. How do you transpose the Brass parts?

Answer 3

Tranpose the brass notes up a tone i.e. if it’s a C, then it’s actually a D

Question 4

Clarinets in A in the Haydn vs. other instruments in C. How do you tranpose the Clarinet parts?

Answer 4

Transpose the notes a minor 3rd down i.e. if it’s a C, then it’s actually an A

Question 5

What instrumental parts should you read first?

Answer 5

Violoncello
Bassoon

Question 6

What traps do you need to bear in mind when reading the orchestral score?

Answer 6

Viola: alto clef: middle line = middle C
Clarinets: read these a minor 3rd lower
Brass: read these a tone higher
Check other instruments aren’t temporarily in different clefs
Check carefully which instrumental line you’re reading i.e. that you’re reading a bassoon not a violin

Question 7

If working out a chord from a score, what do you need to bear in mind?

Answer 7

Read all the instrumental parts first
Make sure to tranpose the instruments correctly
Arrange the notes into a triad
Any extra notes might be 7ths or added notes
Work out what key you are by looking several bars either side of the chord you’re working out
See if it’s a primary chord to start with
Check to see if there are passing notes or pedal notes that might make it harder to work out what the chord is

Question 8

What do you need to be careful of when reading a Double Bass line?

Answer 8

The notes sound an octave lower than they’re written.