Theory & Impro Enharmonic correctness: is it important? Advantages and disadvantages

[nvilletele]

I have more problems with being unharmonic than with anything relating to enharmonics.

 

[lydian]

I hate reading double sharps and flats and Cb, Fb, B# and E# myself. So when I write arrangements, I avoid those whether they're enharmonically correct or not. So far, nobody has ever refused to read one of my charts just because I made it "easier" to read. I think it's important to know the correct enharmonics.

Of course there are exceptions, but in general, when writing parts, simpler makes sight reading easier. Considering I'm just an amateur who performs with and writes for other amateurs, we can all be music theory morons together while making good music in spite of it.

 

[Pete Thomas]

but in general, when writing parts, simpler makes sight reading easier.

Yes indeed but I think those of us who who do think correct enharmonic notation is important have always said that exceptions can be made when writing individual parts, in the interest of making sight reading easier and so enhancing musicality.

The point of correct enharmonics is more about when discussing theory, functional harmony and of course temperaments beyond equal.

But even so I would personally prefer not to see G in the key of G# minor if it’s meant to be a leading note. But that F double sharp may just be a personal preference I wouldn’t necessarily inflict on others.

 

[Pete Effamy]

But even so I would personally prefer not to see G in the key of G# minor if it’s meant to be a leading note. But that F double sharp may just be a personal preference I wouldn’t necessarily inflict on others.

It’s not just a personal preference situation in cases like this - it’s informative regarding key. As are most “uncomfortable “ enharmonic spellings.

It’s not just keys either. Take the repetition (in a # key) of F# to F. It even looks ugly to keep writing F# to F natural rather than having E#.

As has been said, I think the choices need to be made when harmony moves hard and fast (theory rules were drawn up before these shenanigans were invented) and possibly even slightly independently of melodic movement.

 

[Tenor Viol]

Whilst most of the non standard clefs fell out of use by 1800, leaving bass, tenor, alto, and treble, some space saving ones persisted until nearly 1900 Such as soprano and French violin clefs and baritone clef.