Definition of Concert pitch
Concert pitch is the pitch reference to which a group of musical instruments are tuned for a performance. Concert pitch may vary from ensemble to ensemble, and has varied widely over time. The ISO defines international standard pitch as A440, setting 440 Hz as the frequency of the A above middle C. Frequencies of other notes are defined relative to this pitch.
The written pitches for transposing instruments do not match those of non-transposing instruments. For example, a written C on a B♭ clarinet or trumpet sounds as a non-transposing instrument's B♭. The term "concert pitch" is used to refer to the pitch on a non-transposing instrument, to distinguish it from the transposing instrument's written note. The clarinet or trumpet's written C is thus referred to as "concert B♭".
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Questions people ask
Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
- What is concert pitch? · Music SE
- Why is it common to write tuba sheet music in concert pitch? · Music SE
- Trumpet - Should I think in concert pitch or not? · Music SE
Frequently asked questions
What is Concert pitch?
Concert pitch is the pitch reference to which a group of musical instruments are tuned for a performance. Concert pitch may vary from ensemble to ensemble, and has varied widely over time.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Concert pitch – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Special-T – CC BY-SA 4.0