Brass quartet: fitting keys to different instuments
I am an amateur when it comes to composing, but I am trying to write a brass quartet in Ab. I am having trouble putting 2 flats in the trumpet and 4 flats in the concert-pitched instruments. When I try to change the key signature, it changes to the same number of flats on all parts.
Thank you,
Joe
Comments
Then something in your score is setup incorrectly. If you share it, we may find out
In reply to Then something in your score… by Jojo-Schmitz
Here is what I've started on.
Thank you,
Joe
In reply to Here is what I've started on… by Joe Cadwallader
It's correct notated/transposed (MuseScore insert the correct key signature automatic for transposed instruments). Be sure, that you haven’t activate the concert pitch mode: https://musescore.org/en/handbook/concert-pitch
In reply to Here is what I've started on… by Joe Cadwallader
That one does have 2 bs in Trumpel and 4bs on the others, just like you (clainde you) want.
To get there you'd need to drag the 4 flat keysig onto the score
In reply to Here is what I've started on… by Joe Cadwallader
I was able to get the correct key signature, but now I'm having an issue with the pitches when I play it through the program midi. The program doesn't seem to be transposing the pitches correctly.
In reply to I was able to get the… by Joe Cadwallader
I'm pretty sure it does transpose correctly. But probably you're entering them wrongly
The thing to realize is that MuseScore can display your score either in Concert Pitch (everything displayed as it will actually sound) or transposed as it needs to be written for the various transposing instruments. To flip between these modes, press the Concert Pitch button at top right of the toolbar.
Regardless of the state of the concert pitch button, key signatures are always added at concert pitch. That is, if you want something to sound like Ab major, add the Ab major key signature. If you are in Concert Pitch mode, it will show four flats for everyone. If you have Concert Pitch turned off, it will correctly show two flats for Bb instruments, three for F instruments, one for Eb instruments, etc.
It is very important when entering notes to be aware of which mode you are in and enter them appropriately. Sounds like you probably entered notes at concert pitch when the Concert Pitch mode was turned off, or else you entered notes at written pitch when the Concert Pitch mode was turned on.
If you entered notes incorrectly, not to worry - just select them and use the up/down keys to move them to the proper pitch. So, if you entered D Eb F for Bb trumpet hoping it would sound like C Db Eb, but did this with concert pitch turned on, then indeed you will be disappointed - it will sound like D Eb F. So, select the notes, press "Down" twice, and now you'll have the C Db Eb you should have entered in the first place. Turn Concert Pitch off and you'll see it displayed as D Eb F but it will still sound correct (C Db Eb).
If you need further help, please post your score as you have it now, and explain which note or notes in particular you are having trouble with.