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Topic: Sometimes I see a C flat in notations.. (Read 1643 times)

riwa

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Newbie
Posts: 15

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

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outin

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Posts: 8211

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.

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iansinclair

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Posts: 1472

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...

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Ian

counterpoint

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Sr. Member
Posts: 2003

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

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If it doesn't work - try something different!

werq34ac

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Posts: 720

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.

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Ravel Jeux D'eau
Brahms 118/2
Liszt Concerto 1
Rachmaninoff/Kreisler Liebesleid

riwa

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 15

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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Topic: Sometimes I see a C flat in notations.. (Read 1643 times)

Piano Street Magazine:The Quiet Revolutionary of the Piano – Fauré’s Complete Piano Works Now on Piano Street

Piano Street Magazine:
The Quiet Revolutionary of the Piano – Fauré’s Complete Piano Works Now on Piano Street