Transposition
Transposition in music occurs when a melody or piece is played or sung higher or lower than the original. We
see this at the beginning of Module 7 on page 165 when “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” is written first in
Cmajor and then transposed to E major. The transposed melody will sound “the same” as the original because
the relationship between the pitches is the same. Transposition may be accomplished by using the scale degree
number or solfège symbol of the original scale of the melody.
Exercise 6—Class Exercise
The piece “Galop” by Jacques Offenbach was originally composed in G major. Below the original version in G
major, transpose the melody to E major.
- Begin by drawing the G and E major scales.
- Write the solfège symbols and/or numbers below each scale note and in the music below.
- Then transpose “Galop” from G to E major; be sure to maintain the rhythms of the original. The first notes
of the melody in E major are given. Locate the entire descending major scale in both melodies. - Sing the original and transposed melody using solfège or numbers. Does it sound “the same”?
Gmajor scale E major scaleDo Re ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
1 2“Galop” by Offenbach in the original key of G major
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Sol Do
5 1