Accidentals

[netzow]

Ok, in the second prelude from WTC bk. I measure 3 there is a E flat, there is also a flat on the E in the key signature. It sounds better to me when I play an E flat rather than a D. Also why isn't it just written as a D instead of an E flat? In other words am I supposed to play an E flat or a D and why is it written the way it is. Thank you!

[counterpoint]

The flat sign before the e in bar 3 is only to assure, that the natural sign from  bar 2 is not valid any more. Btw. accidentals don't add, so if there is a flat sign, it will never result in having to play a double flat.

[netzow]

Great, thank you for responding! I guess the reason I asked was because I looked in my music dictonary and it said that accidentals only last for the rest of the measure. Since that had an accidental I figured it might be something like a double flat. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

[Bob]

It's called a courtesy accidental. 

[netzow]

It's called a courtesy accidental. 

Ok, I will make a note to remember that. By the way Bob I wanted to say thank you for your work on m1469's attempt to index the forum thread. I am finding this very helpful. It should get stickied. Thank you again!

[Bob]

I was just thinking about that the other day.  I haven't turned anything in for a long time.

I have heard something bigger was planned than a sticky.


I think Finale calls those "courtesy" accidentals.  I learned that the hard way after searching for it for a few hours.  Hard to forget after that.

[allthumbs]

The flat sign before the e in bar 3 is only to assure, that the natural sign from  bar 2 is not valid any more. Btw. accidentals don't add, so if there is a flat sign, it will never result in having to play a double flat.

Just to add to what counterpoint said. If the composer wanted you to play a double flat, you would see bb before the note. 

Conversely a double sharp would have a stylized X before the note.


Cheers

allthumbs

[netzow]

Another question about accidentals: Do accidentals only count for the line they are on? For instance if there was an e flat accidental on the e above middle c would it still apply to a note an octave higher? Thanks!