8.2.6 Instrument transpositions

The key of a transposing instrument can also be specified. This applies to many wind instruments, for example, clarinets (B-flat, A, and E-flat), horn (F) and trumpet (B-flat, C, D, and E-flat).

The transposition is entered after the keyword \transposition

\transposition bes   %% B-flat clarinet

This command sets the property instrumentTransposition. The value of this property is used for MIDI output and quotations. It does not affect how notes are printed in the current staff. To change the printed output, see Transpose.

The pitch to use for \transposition should correspond to the real sound heard when a c' written on the staff is played by the transposing instrument. For example, when entering a score in concert pitch, typically all voices are entered in C, so they should be entered as

clarinet = {
  \transposition c'
  ...
}
saxophone = {
  \transposition c'
  ...
}

The command \transposition should be used when the music is entered from a (transposed) orchestral part. For example, in classical horn parts, the tuning of the instrument is often changed during a piece. When copying the notes from the part, use \transposition, e.g.,

\transposition d'
c'4^"in D"
...
\transposition g'
c'4^"in G"
...