Re: Best practice when typesetting transposing instruments.

[David Rogers]

Kirill wrote:

> > I cannot quite find figure out from the manual which is a better practice when
> > typesetting transposing instruments (say, a B\flat clarinet):
> >
> > 1) Specifying \transposition bes { ... } and then writing out the
> > transposed part. Or
> > 2) Using \transpose bes, c {\transposition bes ...} and notating in C?

Mats wrote:

> It all depends on what you find convenient and what source material 
> you have available.
> For example, sometimes you have a set of hand-written orchestral 
> parts that you want to make readable, in which case it's easiest to 
> input the notes as they are written in the original parts (including 
> transposition).
> On the other hand, if you are composing, it's probably easier to 
> input the notes as they should sound and let LilyPond take care of 
> the transposition.



To be even more general:

Whatever "source material" you have (no matter whether it's a paper
copy, your own ideas, or something else) should be notated directly. For
example, if you play a transposing instrument and you are thinking in
terms of that instrument while you compose, then write it as you think
it. This will reduce errors, and if you do make errors they will be
easier to find. Transposition commands are easy. Errors are not so easy.

In short, avoid mentally transposing as you type.


--
David