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A question about queues for transposing instruments

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 10:35 am
by azumbrunn
I stumbled over this question when putting together an orchestral score and parts. Many instruments have long rests and queues are essential.

Normally this is not hard to do. But how about transposing instruments? Do you give the queues
1) in concert pitch or
2) in the transposition of every particular instrument?

It seems to me that the second option is more userfriendly for the players since they read their own part in transposition and will therefor be expecting the correct pitches easily. But is there a rule for this?

Re: A question about queues for transposing instruments

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 4:14 pm
by jossuk
An excellent question! Responding as a composer, I would insert the cues as you suggest, in the appropriately transposed score of the particular instrument.
(I believe "queue" refers to a line of people waiting for something, as opposed to the "cue" of musical terminology.)

Re: A question about queues for transposing instruments

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 8:29 pm
by coulonnus
I guess you mean cues? According to Gardner Read the cues should be transposed.

In addition there is the concept of cross cuing: when the cued instrument is missing you have to play its part

Re: A question about queues for transposing instruments

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 5:24 am
by azumbrunn
Thanks for your quick response! Luckily this is the easy way with the software I am using.

BTW: I have been spelling cue 200 times so I won't forget.