Posted by Don Shirer on February 09, 2004 at 22:40:15:
In Reply to: How is the range of a piece expressed? posted by Tom on February 09, 2004 at 20:41:24:
I have seen at least three different systems of letter notation. In one, middle C is c^4 (imagine the superscripts from now on), middle A is a4, next higher C is c5 and so on.
Lowest C on the piano is c1, the notes below that are b0,a0 (stop there unless you have a Bosendorfer). In another variation the octave numbers are one higher.
The Harvard dictionary ignores these but lists several other ancient systems. It says the modern system of letter notation is based on the works of Guido and (100 years earlier) Odo of Clugny. In this system the 'tuning' note on the piano keyboard is termed a, and going down from there is g, f, e, d, c (middle c), B, A, G, A (top line on the bass clef), G, F, E, D, C, BB, AA, GG (lowest line on the bass clef), FF, EE (half step above the open note of an Eb bass), DD etc.... Going up from a it is b, c', d', e'....a', b', c", d" ...etc. Each octave begins on c and ends on b. No numbers at all.
Please don't ask me why (on this system) the open note on a BBb tuba is BBBb. Ask Guido or Odo.