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Topic: Big news...and a bigger problem (Read 3344 times) previous topic - next topic

Big news...and a bigger problem

Hi everyone,

I'm excited to say that my first string quartet, created pretty much entirely in an old version of NWC, has made it to the recording phase.

We're not a professional quartet and had to rehearse and record it all in about five hours, but I will admit to being pretty proud of the outcome. If you'd like to have a listen the files can be found here:

http://www.fileden.com/getfile.php?file_path=http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/12/19/2694898/Incandescent.mp3 (main piece)
http://www.fileden.com/getfile.php?file_path=http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/12/19/2694898/Knowing%20What%20We%20Do.mp3 (a kind of 'coda' movement)

Naturally #2 has started to emerge but I am having huge issues.

I should highlight that although I have been playing the violin for longer than I dare think about, I've barely had any formal music theory training and simply work on what's playing in my head. This tends to lead to me starting in C and shoving in loads of accidentals until I work out what key the piece is actually in and adjust it accordingly. I tend to avoid putting in too many flats/sharps because I don't want to freak out the victims who end up having to play it through.

Trouble is, I cannot work out what key(s - I think there are several!!) this next piece is in. I've hit a mire of accidentals and frankly, Toto, we're not in C any more.

If there are any musicians who actually understand what the black things on the page really mean and can give me any help at all with making this playable I would be eternally grateful. And I do mean eternally. I'm happy to hear any ideas which would bring me somewhere near the desired effect but without shedloads of sharps. (Please be gentle. Two of us play the violin. And one plays the viola!)

I've hopefully uploaded the file, although there was an error. It probably detected the horrendously wrong internals and tried to spit it out. For those brave enough, it's...

http://www.fileden.com/getfile.php?file_path=http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/12/19/2694898/opening.nwc

(This is a skeleton with lots missing but it shows the basic idea.)

Thank you all in advance!

Jenny.

Re: Big news...and a bigger problem

Reply #1 –
Well - I'm no expert but I'd have a go with F Sharp Major

So - Go to the beginning of each staff and then press K to get the key sig dialog box.
Select F Sharp Major

This will put in a key signature with six sharps.

Then, from the tools menu, select Audit accidentals.  This will now remove all of the accidentals that you no longer need because you have entered a key sig with accidentals.

Repeat this for the other three instrument staffs.

Click your red shoes and hope for the best !
Rich.

Re: Big news...and a bigger problem

Reply #2 –
Oh good grief, I think you're right, it IS in F sharp major and everything you suggested worked. (Thank you!)

They're going to kill me. I think I need to hit the 'transpose' button.

Re: Big news...and a bigger problem

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Footnote75 –
Oh good grief, I think you're right, it IS in F sharp major and everything you suggested worked. (Thank you!)

They're going to kill me. I think I need to hit the 'transpose' button.
Take it up to G.  That is an easier key for all stringed instruments and will eliminate the B your viola player would otherwise have to sing because their lowest note is an octave below middle C.
Since 1998

Re: Big news...and a bigger problem

Reply #4 –
LOL, I'd noticed that one! But I might make her sing it anyway.

Re: Big news...and a bigger problem

Reply #5 –
Glad you found the yellow brick road Dorothy (Jenny)

Seasons greetings. Hope No. 2 goes well for you.
Rich.