How to handle enharmonic keys
Hello there!
I'm working on a a arrangement for brass band and here comes a E key.
For Eb instruments like soprano cornets or horns, the software displays a wonderful C# key.
Even if it's quite funny, I'm sure people would clearly appreciate to see a a Db key instead, which would makes only 5 flats instead of 7 sharps.
But I can't find any tool allowing me to get an enharmonic key signature display. Is there something existing?
Thanks a lot.
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Comments
See if https://musescore.org/en/node/260491 helps
In reply to See if https://musescore.org… by mike320
Hi Mike!
Thanks for the fast answer, but unfortunately I can't make it. The key signature I'd like isn't listed.
The texte says that "One limitation is that theoretical key signatures that contain double sharps or double flats are not supported by MuseScore, so for example: changing the key from A♭ to G♯ is impossible using this method and you cannot get proper playback." and unfortunately, it's exactly my issue, except it's C# to Db.
Eb players will have to deal with it ;)
Thanks!
In reply to Hi Mike!… by CidKain
The key of Db does exist, as you said it is only 5 flats. You can transpose it to the key of Eb to force flats into the key signature, then transpose it down a major second (with key change) to force it into the key of Db.
Keep in mind that the key you transpose is the concert key. In the case of the key of Eb it is concert Gb that you will need for an Eb instrument.
Actually, it would be wrong to assume that these players would prefer Db to C#. Precisely because the transposition required typically adds sharps, players of these instruments are typically very accustomed to sharp keys and very unaccustomed to keys with more than one or two flats (resulting from pieces in concert Db or Ab).
Of course, it all comes down to personal experience / preference, but I would say that unless you know for sure that the players reading your music will be among those who for whatever reason happened to be more comfortable with Db than C#, you are better off not fighting the default here.
That said, if you are sure, then you can get the effect using the instructions in the article linked, or at least similar steps. For instance, Ctrl+drag the closest keysig on the circle of fifths, then transpose by interval to get what you want.
In reply to Actually, it would be wrong… by Marc Sabatella
Hello Marc,
Well, in my experience as a brass player (euphonium), I'm more used to think things in flat than in sharp. Trumpet or players I play with think the same way, but I actually can't say for Eb brass instruments as tenor horns, soprano cornets or Eb basses.
But in the other hand, the player who will handle this piece will be experienced enough to handle these seven sharps, so I'll let it this way. Since I have to struggle also with time and other things, I won't spend more time on this right now but will definitely take the time to try it harder soon enough.
Thanks both of you two for your really nice and quick support, I really appreciate :)
In reply to Hello Marc,… by CidKain
I agree that most brass players prefer flats over sharps since most start with either Bb trumpet or an instrument in C such as Trombone or Tuba (as I did). As an Eb Alto and Bari Saxophone player also, I would say it would not matter much to me if the key were C# or Db.