Page 1 of 1

Is there a better way to handle enharmonic re-writing?

Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2024 8:05 pm
by BurtGoldstein
Is there a script for intelligently respelling notes enharmonically to make them most easily readable? Finale's method of mapping ALL B#s to C for example is too crude, since G# A# B# might be the best outcome in one bar, and Bb C might be better elsewhere.

Re: Is there a better way to handle enharmonic re-writing?

Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2024 8:15 pm
by miker
I don’t think so. If you want finer control, you may just have to do it on a measure-by-measure, or at least a section-by-section basis. Or maybe do them all, and then step through and fix where needed.

Re: Is there a better way to handle enharmonic re-writing?

Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2024 8:59 pm
by motet
The best way is probably to do it yourself. You could use Finale or a plug-in to search for all B-sharps, say, but then decide to flip them manually or not yourself. Unless you have a multi-thousand-measure opera, say, this is probably not as daunting as it first may appear.

(And if you're dealing with music in C# major, say, you probably don't want to turn B-sharps into C-naturals.)

Re: Is there a better way to handle enharmonic re-writing?

Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2024 9:05 pm
by Peter Thomsen
BurtGoldstein wrote:
Sat Apr 20, 2024 8:05 pm
… Finale's method of mapping ALL B#s to C …
It is not that simple.

Finale’s accidental spelling can be
- Default Spelling
- Favor Sharps
- Favor Flats
- Use Spelling Tables (and you can edit the Spelling Tables)

Finale does not understand ‘intelligent respelling’, but …
- you can Respell with a specific Spelling in one region, and then Respell with another Spelling in another region.

Re: Is there a better way to handle enharmonic re-writing?

Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2024 6:07 pm
by BurtGoldstein
Peter,

Thanks for confirming Finale doesn't have a hidden solution. Jason Loffredo wrote that Dorico has a solution that is 80% effective - what would it take to get that ported over to Finale?

Re: Is there a better way to handle enharmonic re-writing?

Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2024 6:09 pm
by BurtGoldstein
Thanks Motet,

Unfortunately I have been doing thios for decades and find it tedious and time-consuming. I am sure I have done more than 1000 pages (although not all at once, and without the good outcome of having written an opera! ;-) )