concert pitch
I am composing a symphonic composition, and I switched to concert pitch but I want to change it back. However, IF I change it back, the notes will transpose correspondingly. How can I switch off concert pitch without changing any notes?
Comments
You don't, that's the whole point about concert pitch.
You may need to transpose to compensate?
Why would you want to turn it off if you have what you want while in concert pitch? Just keep it on.
Concert pitch is used to have everything visible in the key of concert. When you make parts, generally you want the parts transposed to compensate for the fact that some instruments have to play a note that is designated for their instrument to allow them to play the true pitch in "concert".
In reply to Why would you want to turn… by xavierjazz
so what's the difference after i have concert pitch on? I've seen most symphony don't use concert pitch. Does it make much difference?
In reply to so what's the difference… by s191068
It does make a difference for transposing instruments
In reply to It does make a difference… by Jojo-Schmitz
It only changes what you see not what you hear. Transposing instruments have their parts printed with concert pitch off. The score is usually also printed with concert pitch off so that the conductor sees exactly what a player of a transposing instrument sees. It is sometimes useful to have concert pitch on to be able to work out harmonies when composing or analysing scores. Sometimes, but still rarely, orchestral scores are printed in concert pitch. In my experience this is found in some 20th Century and later scores, particularly of Russian origin.
In reply to so what's the difference… by s191068
Transposing instruments sound a different note that what they have written.
For example, a Bb instrument (say trumpet) will read a "C" on the score, will play a "C" on the instrument but the trumpet will sound a Bb.