Transposing piano
Encyclopedia
A transposing piano is a special piano
with a mechanism activated by the player (e.g. with a lever or pedal) to transpose
. This mechanism allows the keyboard to change position in relation to the action (see Development of the modern piano
for details). There are no longer many in existence, but they have been used, for example, by people whose skills are restricted to playing in certain keys, or by those who need to transpose music, but lack the necessary skill to do so at sight.
Individuals with absolute pitch
may have difficulty playing on such a piano, because the pitches they actually hear do not match the notes they are playing on the keyboard. Some such people are able to overcome the difficulty with practice, however.
Irving Berlin
had two such instruments; one was donated to the Smithsonian Institution
in 1973, and is on display in the National Museum of American Jewish History
. Berlin never learned to read music, playing his songs entirely by ear in the key of f-sharp, employing his “trick piano” to do the work as necessary.
Many electronic or digital pianos and keyboards have wide-ranging facilities, including the ability to transpose.
The harmonium
is an instrument that also features a mechanically shifted keyboard for transposition.
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
with a mechanism activated by the player (e.g. with a lever or pedal) to transpose
Transposition (music)
In music transposition refers to the process, or operation, of moving a collection of notes up or down in pitch by a constant interval.For example, one might transpose an entire piece of music into another key...
. This mechanism allows the keyboard to change position in relation to the action (see Development of the modern piano
for details). There are no longer many in existence, but they have been used, for example, by people whose skills are restricted to playing in certain keys, or by those who need to transpose music, but lack the necessary skill to do so at sight.
Individuals with absolute pitch
Absolute pitch
Absolute pitch , widely referred to as perfect pitch, is the ability of a person to identify or re-create a given musical note without the benefit of an external reference.-Definition:...
may have difficulty playing on such a piano, because the pitches they actually hear do not match the notes they are playing on the keyboard. Some such people are able to overcome the difficulty with practice, however.
Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin was an American composer and lyricist of Jewish heritage, widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history.His first hit song, "Alexander's Ragtime Band", became world famous...
had two such instruments; one was donated to the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
in 1973, and is on display in the National Museum of American Jewish History
National Museum of American Jewish History
The National Museum of American Jewish History is a Smithsonian- affiliated museum in Center City Philadelphia, located on Independence Mall within the Independence National Historical Park.-Building:...
. Berlin never learned to read music, playing his songs entirely by ear in the key of f-sharp, employing his “trick piano” to do the work as necessary.
Many electronic or digital pianos and keyboards have wide-ranging facilities, including the ability to transpose.
The harmonium
Harmonium
A harmonium is a free-standing keyboard instrument similar to a reed organ. Sound is produced by air being blown through sets of free reeds, resulting in a sound similar to that of an accordion...
is an instrument that also features a mechanically shifted keyboard for transposition.