Posted by Klaus on August 24, 2000 at 21:24:03:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Transposition Aids posted by John Swensen on August 23, 2000 at 22:50:25:
The reason for transposing instruments is very simple:
That method of notation assures a uniform relationship between fingerings and notation.
That makes doublings easy for sax players.
3rd flute and 3rd oboe can switch to alto flute and English horn without twisting neither brains nor fingers.
That system was/is a major pedagogical factor in the brass band movement. (The original bassbone in G was already the odd man out. So he could as well get the bass clef, which suited his range pretty well).
The historical background is the one already told of.
Klaus