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Topic: Sometimes I see a C flat in notations..  (Read 1705 times)

Offline riwa

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Sometimes I see a C flat in notations..
on: August 30, 2012, 11:53:00 AM
Im just finding as much sheets as possible to read just for practice. Occasionally I find something that looks wrong. I've been assuming it was made by an amateur but this piece by Steely dan starts with a C flat note. How is it supposed to be interpreted?

https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0089308

Offline outin

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Re: Sometimes I see a C flat in notations..
Reply #1 on: August 30, 2012, 12:01:26 PM
It just means you play the B, which you would otherwise play B-flat because of the key.

Offline iansinclair

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Re: Sometimes I see a C flat in notations..
Reply #2 on: August 30, 2012, 01:36:12 PM
Not really that uncommon.  It's usually done to clarify in the writing a harmonic relationship of some kind.  Although it can be a bit confusing at first...
Ian

Offline counterpoint

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Re: Sometimes I see a C flat in notations..
Reply #3 on: August 30, 2012, 04:00:03 PM
For example.

the A flat major chord consist of Ab C and Eb

The A flat minor chord consists of Ab Cb and Eb
If it doesn't work - try something different!

Offline werq34ac

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Re: Sometimes I see a C flat in notations..
Reply #4 on: August 30, 2012, 10:50:39 PM
Harmonically, Cb makes a lot more sense than B natural in this case. Especially since this is a D9 chord. It wouldn't be a D9 chord without that flat 7th and keep in mind that it is a flat 7th instead of an extended 6th.
Ravel Jeux D'eau
Brahms 118/2
Liszt Concerto 1
Rachmaninoff/Kreisler Liebesleid

Offline riwa

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Re: Sometimes I see a C flat in notations..
Reply #5 on: August 31, 2012, 10:11:55 AM
Thanks for clarification.
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