Re: \transposition question

[Jacques Menu Muzhic]

Hello David, Simon and Greg,

My quite strange question arose from reading the description of MusicXML’s <transpose>:

The transposition is represented by chromatic steps (required) and three optional elements: 

diatonic pitch steps, octave changes, and doubling an octave down.

  

The diatonic element specifies the number of pitch steps needed to go from written to sounding pitch. This allows for correct spelling of enharmonic transpositions

The chromatic element represents the number of semitones needed to get from written to sounding pitch. This value does not include octave-change values; the values for both elements need to be added to the written pitch to get the correct sounding pitch.

Bb is:

        <transpose>

          <diatonic>-1</diatonic>

          <chromatic>-2</chromatic>

        </transpose>

So I wondered whether A#:

        <transpose>

          <diatonic>-2</diatonic>

          <chromatic>-2</chromatic>

        </transpose>

would be considered as distinct from Bb.

As it happens, the answer is no for musicxml2ly, MuseScore and Finale.

But then, why is the <diatonic> markup present in MusicXML?

JM

Le 1 sept. 2017 à 01:13, Flaming Hakama by Elaine <address@hidden> a écrit :

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Gregrs <address@hidden>
To: Menu Jacques <address@hidden>
Cc: Lilypond-usermailinglist <address@hidden>
Bcc: 
Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2017 21:52:00 +0100
Subject: Re: \transposition question
On Thu, Aug 31, 2017 at 09:50:05PM +0200, Menu Jacques wrote:

Hello folks,

I’m trying to understand how \transposition works with enharmony.

In the following, what key should be chosen (instead of D major) in the fourth score for a soon-to-be-created Trumpet in A#?

For the Trumpet in Bb, the piano's C becomes a written D. The interval between C and the note in the instrument's name (Bb) is a major second, as is the interval between the C and the D.

The same thing happens with the horn; C to Eb is a minor third, and so is C to A.

So theoretically in order to write for the trumpet in A# (a diminished third away from C), I think you'd have to use the key of Ebb major (which doesn't exist) as this is a diminished third away from C in the opposite direction.

Hope that helps!
Greg

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The transposing interval of an instrument is not a harmonic context.

It is not like you are hearing a C against a Bb/A#, and need to determine if the interval is a 2nd or a diminished 3rd.

Rather, you are hearing a C against a C, and the rest is mental gymnastics.

David Elaine Alt

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