Incorrect Notation for Low Modern Flutes

• Nov 7, 2017 - 17:29
Reported version
2.1
Type
Functional
Severity
S5 - Suggestion
Status
closed
Project
MuseScore

Many of MuseScore's low flutes are notated incorrectly. I'll go in descending order of pitch.

Piccolo through alto flute are correct.

Bass flute is currently notated in treble clef 8vb. Correct notation would be with a normal treble clef but transposing an octave lower.

Contra-alto flute is correct.

Contrabass flute is currently notated in bass clef. Correct notation would be with a treble clef but transposing two octaves lower.

Sub Contra-alto flute is currently notated in bass clef. Correct notation would be treble clef but transposing two octaves lower (still in the key of G).

Double contrabass flute is currently notated in bass clef. Correct notation would be treble clef but transposing three octaves lower than written.

Hyperbass flute is currently notated in bass clef 15mb. Correct notation would be treble clef but transposing four octaves lower than written.

All modern members of the flute family should read in treble clef, but transpose down to their sounding pitch. An exception would be when the "concert pitch" feature is on, in which case the flutes would be notated in bass clef.

Also see https://musescore.org/en/node/264009

Comments

• Nov 16, 2017 - 23:08

Well, it's almost accurate. The only one that is still incorrect is the Subcontra-alto Flute. The range is correct, but is still notated incorrectly. The Subcontra-alto Flute should read as a transposing instrument in the key of G (add one flat to whatever the natural key signature is.) For clarification, this means it should be pitched an octave below the standard Alto Flute.

Reply

• Nov 16, 2017 - 23:13
Status (old) fixed ⇒ active
Status fixed ⇒ active

You mean add one sharp (G-major/e-minor), not one flat (F-Major/d-minor)? The latter is what Contra-Alto Flute does.
I didn't change transpositioning, just the octaves (and the clefs)

Reply