Copy and Paste Function?
Hi there!
I recently downloaded this software for an arrangement I'm doing, and I have been transposing by hand (i.e. not using the program to transpose).
However, even though I know that I am transposing right, the playback always sounds terrible when I transpose myself and really good when I just copy and paste, even though I'm copying from a C instrument and pasting into Bb, Eb and F instruments. My question is, does the copy and paste function contain some weird type of transposition or does the program somehow interpret the pasted notes as being in unison with the original notes, (even though the instruments are in different keys)?
Comments
I'm not sure what you mean by 'transposing by hand', but consider this:
Copy/paste copies the actual tones (pitches) and MuseScore will add accidentals where necessary to keep the 'same sounds' - like, for instance, if you paste into a different key signature.
For transposing instruments (like a B flat clarinet):
Be advised that there is a 'Concert Pitch' mode in MuseScore which, when turned on, lets you enter all notes as they sound. Then, upon turning 'Concert Pitch' off, MuseScore will automatically display the notes as fingered for transposing instruments. For example, for a B flat instrument, a C major scale entered in 'Concert Pitch' will display as a D major scale when 'Concert Pitch' gets turned off.
The other way to transpose is by key or interval - e.g. to accomodate a singer's vocal range.
That is, if you wish to raise or lower the pitch (i.e. change the key) of a whole score (or a selection), then use menu item: Notes / Transpose.
See:
http://musescore.org/en/handbook/transposition#Transposing-instruments
Regards, and welcome aboard.
In reply to Transposing instruments vs. transposition by Jm6stringer
When you copy notes from a C instruments into an instrument staff of an instrument in a different key, musescore transposes this correctly (enharmonics notwithstanding). Sometimes I'll see a Bb where my music instructor says an A# should go.
But when you transpose a G from a C (like flute) instrument to an F instrument (like english horn), you'll see a D. I.e, you don't have to paste and then transpose. Pasting, in my experience transposes correctly.