Transcribing staff notation to jianpo

[edcat7]

I obtained the score for Schlinder's List from freescores and wish to transcribe it into jianpo. What are the corresponding numbers to the letters (if you know what I mean) so I can attempt it myself. Also what key is it played in.

Many Thanks,

Ed

[davidmdahl]

Hello Ed,

The key signature at the top of the score indicates the key, by the number of sharps or flats. To transcribe to jianpu, I write a chart down the side of the page indicating <key of tune> = 1, <key of tune> +1 = 2, etc. So if the key is G, then:

G = 1
A = 2
B = 3
C = 4
D = 5
E = 6
F = 7

For all of the G notes, write '1', and all of the C notes, write '4'. You will need to determine the relevant octave and put a dot above or below the note as appropriate. The flags on the staff notes will tell you the note lengths for the jianpu notes.

Once you have the tune notated in jianpu, it is easy to play the tune in whatever key you want.

If you want an example of this in action, post the link to the score you found, and I will get you started.

Best wishes,

David

[edcat7]

Thanks David. There's no key signature but for a treble clef; does that mean it's in C key....Hmmm I'll need to refresh myself on that. I'll follow your chart.

Ed

[davidmdahl]

Ed, no sharps or flats in the key signature indicates either C major or A minor. For jianpu, the major key is always indicated, even if the tune is actually in the minor. All or most of those F key erhu tunes are actually in D minor.

I just noticed your message, and the link to the score for three tunes from Schindler's List. The key signature for 'Theme from "SCHINDLER'S LIST"' has one flat, and is therefore in F, in this case D minor.

Best wishes,

David

[davidmdahl]

Here is the 'Theme from "SCHINDER'S LIST"' with beginnings of a transcription to jianpu. You can see the dilemma that the key does not fit well on the erhu, at least in the lower octave. You could either play the notes that are too low an octave up, or play the entire first part up an octave. I would most likely do the latter.

A setting in C (A minor) would probably fit better on erhu.

Questions?

Best wishes,

David

[edcat7]

Thanks David, after I've transcribed it I'll try it in different keys; D,G,and F. I'll have to totally relearn C again.

[edcat7]

Feb 27, 2017 2:43:07 GMT davidmdahl said:

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Here is the 'Theme from "SCHINDER'S LIST"' with beginnings of a transcription to jianpu. You can see the dilemma that the key does not fit well on the erhu, at least in the lower octave. You could either play the notes that are too low an octave up, or play the entire first part up an octave. I would most likely do the latter.

A setting in C (A minor) would probably fit better on erhu.

Questions?

Best wishes,

David

Yes my teacher agrees that it doesn't fit easily on the erhu. Apparently it starts off in C and changes key:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS-rsLqj0Xk

He's going to make the above score workable on the erhu and when he does I'll post it here.

Ed