Talk:Musical notation

subscript b as a flat notation

If anyone knows why a subscript b is used for flat notation it would be greatly appreciated. I think it's funny that a subscript b is used because "B" a whole step higher than "A". I'm sure there was some kind of logic to it. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Chevyfastback (talk • contribs) 05:51, 16 October 2007 (UTC)

Hint: in German they use the letter B to mean B flat, but H to mean B natural. In other countries, before the invention of accidental signs, they referred to "B rotundum" and "B quadratum" ("round" and "square"). A rounded B became the flat sign and a squared b became the natural sign. The sign isn't really subscripted; it just descends below the baseline, just like a lower-case "y". —Wahoofive (talk) 03:13, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

The reason we use a "b" is because as western music developed notation, the scales used only needed one accidental. There was a limited number of diatonic scales in use (see modes), and at first the only accidental needed was for B (see also Hexachord), most often as an alteration to the Lydian mode (our article Neume has a good description of how the notation worked for Gregorian chant, which might give you the appropriate background here). It was not until much later that it became necessary to have accidentals for other notes, and for this they borrowed the "soft b" from existing notation. Similarly the natural is the "hard b", which eventually got its right line extended to create its current form, and for a long time the same symbol was used for sharps as well (as the natural, originally applied only to B, meant to raise the pitch a semitone from where it had been as a flat). Eventually when people began to need more precise notation, the sharp became distinguished from the natural. So the short story is that it is a B because we only needed flat Bs when we came up with the idea of flats. - Rainwarrior 04:02, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

Words within music

Can I suggest a need for a section to list and describe common (Italian etc) words used in sheet music? Alternatively a link to where these might be on Wikipedia? Examples could be 'piano', 'crescendo' etc. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 83.104.125.226 (talk) 12:18, 30 January 2008 (UTC)

See List of musical terminology AndrewWTaylor (talk) 13:22, 30 January 2008 (UTC)

"Lead Sheet" Image is Incorrect

With a multisyllabic word, dashes are put in between the syllables. Also, when multiple notes are sung over one syllable, an underscore is extended from the end of the syllable to the last note. I think the image should be corrected - it looks amateurish.

If you need a source, check "Music Notation - Preparing Scores and Parts" by Matthew Nicholl and Rich Grudzinski. Also, if you are thinking, "it's a lead sheet, not the score to an opera" or something along those lines, look at any vocal tune in the Real Book or the New Real Book - dashes and underscores without fail.

You're right, it's rather a poor example. It's also not really a lead sheet, more a fragment of music in lead sheet style. I'll see if I can make a better version, unless someone beats me to it. AndrewWTaylor (talk) 21:08, 19 April 2008 (UTC)

See: Image talk:Lead Sheet.jpg Hyacinth (talk) 20:14, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Accidental (music)

See the discussion at Talk:Accidental (music)#Inflections vs accidentals concerning the definition of "accidental" and its relation to sharp and flat signs and key signatures. Hyacinth (talk) 20:08, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Intelligent notation

Moved from article:

Main article: Intelligent notation (music)

In 2000, a London based composer named Chris Witten began to write compositions that used digital graphic animation programmes to create scores that changed and evolved while they were being performed. Intelligent notation scores can only be read and performed from a computer screen (known as a visual display unit). The first works were written on the programme Microsoft PowerPoint, but Witten and other composers have since used more advanced programmes such as Adobe Flash. Intelligent notation is unique in musical notation history, as it is the first format of notation that necessitates significant interaction between the work and the performer. As computer technology has developed, so have the compositions using the notation, and several techniques are now used within works in order to increase the excitement of performance. Examples include: works incorporating a randomly generated sequence of notes that change on the screen each time the work is 'activated'; works using graphic notation that feature lines changing direction and colour throughout the performance; and advanced graphic notation scores that incorporate moving photographs and silent videos. As well as providing more varied and exciting performance opportunities, intelligent notation also appeases environmental concerns by never having to be printed on paper, similar to computer musical notation.The Intelligent Notation Foundation was set up in 2004 to archive, educate and promote intelligent notation.

Is this notable or citable?--Dbolton (talk) 05:03, 9 August 2008 (UTC)

Dates and Citations

This whole article seems very short on citations, and I find many of the dates - er - surprising. Surely 'barlines' to coordinate parts go back at least to Ars Nova? And what is the source for the four different note durations in 10th century? Even Perotin in c1200 is only using two (or, arguably, three). These are just two of the dodgy and uncited statements. Can some expert go through this and add citations, please?

OldTownAdge (talk) 13:01, 15 September 2008 (UTC)

It has been tagged with {{refimprove}} since since March 2007. I have moved the tag to the top.

For specific points, such as those you mention, you can tag them with {{fact}}.

--Jtir (talk) 23:29, 16 September 2008 (UTC)

What is "Chopin's final special new year concert 1.1.1850"?

This is in the "Further reading" section.[1]

• Read, Gardner (1978). Modern Rhythmic Notation. Victor Gollance Ltd including Chopin's final special new year concert 1.1.1850

Chopin died in 1849, so this doesn't make any sense to me.

--Jtir (talk) 23:45, 16 September 2008 (UTC)

There is a similar addition to simple:Music that appears to be vandalism. --Jtir (talk) 19:52, 17 September 2008 (UTC)

JCS Notation

From what I see on . . . the . . . web site . . . it looks like a vehicle for the compositions of a single individual. . . . doubt that this is . . . encyclopedia material. . . . Besides . . . the notation itself . . . would take serious dedication to read fluently. . . .

__Just plain Bill (talk) 13:33, 18 September 2008 (UTC)

I agree it looks . . . spammy. The text was added again, and I've just reverted it.

AndrewWTaylor (talk) 10:33, 19 September 2008 (UTC)