Beginner impro Is B# the same note as C?

[cappers]

I would like to check something please, just want to ensure I'm correct.

I have a piece in E Major so the key sig has F# C# G# D#. The intro is C# B# C# A C# B C# A repeated 2x.

I think B# is enharmonic to C so do I play C natural or C# as in the key sig?

Thank you.

 

[Tenor Viol]

There's an anecdote in the book "How Equal Temperament Ruined Harmony" about a well-known conductor having problems tuning an orchestral chord, which I think was Bmin (B D# F#). I think it was the opening of Tchaikovsky symphony #6 that was the problem. The 'problem' was the D# which in just intonation needs to be 'flatter' than an Eb. The third is the most problematic interval (major and minor) in ET as it is the one that is the most 'out of tune'.

 

[skeller047]

There's an anecdote in the book "How Equal Temperament Ruined Harmony" about a well-known conductor having problems tuning an orchestral chord

That’s a great book, I really enjoyed it. I should read it again. I often think of it when I read or watch videos about orchestral auditions, where the candidates are expected to play perfectly in tune - checked by a tuner, presumably one tuned to ET. This has become a make or break skill in the professional world these days, largely due to the advent of electronic instruments and their “perfect” tuning. All too often to the detriment of the music… (just my opinion…)