Re: SacredHarpHeads: possible solution to major/minor problem

[Jonathan Kulp]

Ted Walther wrote:
> On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 04:28:29PM -0700, Mark Polesky wrote:
> > Jonathan Kulp wrote:
> > > Can't you just a modal key signature instead of a tonal one?
> > > You're describing the Dorian mode, after all.  If the tonic is
> > > G, then tell Lilypond the key is D minor and you should be all
> > > set.
> >
> > Even better:
> >
> > \key g \dorian
>
> How would that affect the key signature that shows at the beginning of
> each line?
>
> How about a \sacredHarpKey that does the correct mapping etc?
>
> In Sacred Harp music, the \sacredHarpHeads depends on the key you are
> in.  Using Dorian would mess that up.
>
> The way the different note-heads are used needs its own solution.
> \dorian doesn't appear to be it.

I plead total ignorance of Sacred Harp notation, but Dorian mode 
is exactly what you describe, a minor mode with raised 6th scale 
degree.  If you say "\key g \dorian", then the key signature will 
have one flat in it, and the scale degrees should all be correct: 
g (1st) a (2nd), and so forth.  It seems like this should do what 
you want.

Jon

--
Jonathan Kulp
http://www.jonathankulp.com