Nomenclature?

[Richard Moody]

I am for using middle C as the reference point.  This can be done in the
traditional manner  m C =  c'  or for clarity in ascii  c' = c1   The
advantages of this are 1. tradition, 2. harpsichord people understand, 3.
midi people can quickly adapt, 4.organ people should be for it, (they
invented it).   5.In the discussion of music theory with non piano playing
persons   6.In the discussion of historical tunings they usually  begin on
middle C (c1)  7. even the Casio keyboard owners can  understand!! : ) 

c'  or c1 =  middle C

c'' or c2 =  C above middle C

c =  C below middle C

C = two C's below middle C 

CC or C1 = three C's below middle C 

a--c1  is a minor third with middle C as the top note.  c1--e1 is a major
third, root is middle C.  Is there any question what notes are these? and
where they are on ANY keyboard?    f1--c2     

Source--c2   means tune C above middle C to the source. 
c2--c1  means tune middle C to its octave above. 
c1--g  means tune G a fifth above middle C to middle C. 

In Webster's International Dictionary III under "pitch" you will find this
system illustrated.  I suppose it is in Groves, or it should be. 

The piano is too recent to supplant this notation system in my opinion.  

Richard Moody     



----------
> From: John Minor <jminor@uiuc.edu>
> To: caut@ptg.org
> Subject: Nomenclature?
> Date: Friday, February 26, 1999 4:38 PM
> 
> What is the preferred way to name the notes on the piano for discussion
> sake? Are they to be referred to as they are with the Accutuner? (A0 A#0
B0
> C1 C#1......)  Or, is the first A named A1? Enquiring minds want to
know? I
> guess if all else fails we could use Middle C as the reference point. :
)
> How about A1 A#2 B3 C4 C#5....?
> 
> John Minor
> University of Illinois
>