What is a musical transcription?
Q: What is a musical transcription?
A: A musical transcription is musical notation for an existing piece of music that had been previously unnotated.
Q: How do transcriptions differ from arrangements?
A: Transcriptions are a direct notation of the source, whereas arrangements may include new interpretations into the music such as changing instrumentation, reharmonization, or sectionalizing the piece.
Q: What are some common types of music for which transcriptions are created?
A: Transcriptions can be created for all kinds of music, but they are common for jazz (which usually consists of improvisation) and folk music which is traditionally taught from one generation to another by listening and imitating.
Q: Who were some notable figures that transcribed traditional folk songs in the early 20th century?
A: Béla Bartók and Zoltan Kodaly in Hungary as well as Cecil Sharpe and Ralph Vaughan Williams in England notably transcribed various folk songs they heard being sung in villages during this period.
