Théo Charlier Etudes

Stutrumpet · Regular Member Joined: 24 Nov 2018 Posts: 48

I have been enjoying and been inspired by Häken's Youtube recordings of the 36 Etudes (think he's up to no 12 so far). However, although most seem to perform them as written for C trumpet I have noticed some treat them as for Bb. Then I came across one chap using a rotary C but transposing down as if for Bb.

Can anyone tell me if they were originally written for C trumpet or Bb please?

seilogramp · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2020 7:26 am Post subject:

I would think that since Charlier wrote these as etudes (studies), there is no correct key. In most of the videos I've seen they are either played as written on a Bb instrument or transposed to Bb on a C trumpet. I see Hardenberger playing on a C trumpet without transposing. Jim Wilt playing on C trumpet and transposing some of them. Conversely, I've yet to see anyone playing on Bb and transposing to C trumpet.

You could ask Jim Wilt (MrClean) on his From the Safety of My Practice Room thread.
_________________
Phil M.
1971 Schilke C1L
1981 Schilke P5-4
1972 Getzen Eterna 900S

Stutrumpet · Regular Member Joined: 24 Nov 2018 Posts: 48

Thanks Phil. I have now found a copy with the forward page by Charlier in which he says they are for:
'CORNET A PISTONS ou BUGLE Si b'

So, I'm sure they were written for Bb instruments. Having said that, I think the intention is to advance students and encourage them to play in any key to aid e.g. transposition practice.

I'm working on them after warming up with James Stamp.