Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Key signature in midi imports (Read 4767 times) previous topic - next topic

Key signature in midi imports

I have a considerable number of midi files previously
created using Cubasis Audio, which I have imported to
Noteworthy 1.52 to make use of its superior scoring
capabilities. The problem is in properly displaying files
in keys other than C. E.g., I have one in F#m (A major, three
sharps); when I import it and insert the appropriate key
signature, all F#, C# and G#'s still have the accidentals
associated with each note. Does anyone know how to globally
assign the key signature?

Re: Key signature in midi imports

Reply #1 –
After you add the key signature try: Tools --> Audit accidentals. As an aside, I think the key signatures are "linearly global", that is in effect until a new key signature is encountered.

Re: Key signature in midi imports

Reply #2 –
You cannot globally assign the key, but is not very hard to do per staff. Insert or assign the key, then audit accidentals to clear up the unnecessary accidentals that are in key.

See also https://forum.noteworthycomposer.com/?topic=2

Re: Key signature in midi imports

Reply #3 –
Thanks for the hints, also an essential part of the puzzle was
supplied directly by e-mail. Using the Audit Accidentals
option alone doesn't quite do it, it leaves wrong notes (both
visually and as played), especially on pieces with tonicizations
(brief excursions into other keys). With your help, I've found
a method that seems to work perfectly:

For each staff:
1) Insert a null key signature (C/Am).
2) Using TOOLS menu, select Force Accidentals. Your staff will
look rather messy at this point.
3) Select the key signature, and use CNTL E to edit it to
the desired key.
4) Using TOOLS menu, select Audit Accidentals.
Next staff.

It may also work to transpose steps 2 and 3 above; if so, it
may be possible (??) to incorporate this into a future version
of Noteworthy, i.e. by preceding the call to "Audit..." with
a call to "Force..."

Thanks again all, thanks to Noteworthy for a great program
and excellent support.
 

Re: Key signature in midi imports

Reply #4 –
That answers part of the question.
If the key signature does not import with the midi file you still have to determine the correct key signature with your own music craft.
The technique above doesn't work if you require flats in a sharp key or vice versa.
For example you want to notate a piano chord as Eb7 in the key of C - you get sharps D#7 by default.
If you insert a temporary flat - eg F - key signature and do the tramspose zero /accidental audit you then have to correct the note accidentals that have been neutralized by the temporary key signature.
I think the best answer to this problem and the leading note accidental in minor keys is an Enharmonic Flip Tool.
Select a note, chord, group or measure then use the tool to enharmonically flip the accidentals!
I made it a wish list item.