IWBNI there were a utility to respell the notes of a selected region in such a way that the simplest melodic and harmonic intervals are chosen.

Here is an example of a case that doesn't produce the simplest melodic interval:

1. Enter the following 6 eighth notes in a bar: Bb, followed by F, F#, C#, D# and E.

2. Select Options>Enharmonic Spelling>Use Default Spelling and respell the notes using the mass-mover utility.

3. The result will be: Bb, F, F#, Db, D# and E.

The transition from F# to Db (diminished sixth) and Db to D# could be written more simply as intervals of a perfect fifth and major second, respectively. For example, the same phrase could be written as Bb, F, Gb, Db, Eb, E.

As it is now, to obtain this style of note spelling one can select Options>Enharmonic Spelling>Use Default Spelling, apply the existing utility Respell Notes that is associated with the mass mover tool, and then manually scan the score making the necessary corrections.

An algorithm that respells notes using the simplest interval might follow some of these rules:

1. minor 3rd preferred over augmented 2nd
2a. E always used in place of Fb
2b. B always used in place of Cb
3. double sharps and double flats never used
4. minor 2nd preferred over augmented or diminished unisons
5. major 3rd preferred over diminished 4th
6. major 2nd preferred over diminished 3rd
7. perfect 5th preferred over diminished 6th
8. tritone can be diminished 5th or augmented 4th.
9. if a compromise must be made, rule 1 is more important than rule 4. (so for example,
the sequence F, Ab, A would be chosen over F, G#, A).
10. if a compromise must be made, rule 5 is more important than rule 4. (so for example,
the sequence F#, A#, A would be chosen over the sequence F#, Bb, A)

Created: March 13, 1999
Last Updated: November 26, 1999
Version: Finale 2000b