Sagittal and microabc: BlackLaundry.zip

Hello, everyone, and to conclude this Fifth Anniversary of MMM (as
reckoned by my local time), I'd like to share this collection of
notation and MIDI files relating to Hudson Lacerda's microabc for a
piece in Sagittal notation called _Black Laundry_, with special
greetings also to George Secor and Dave Keenan of the Sagittal
notation project.

<http://www.bestII.com/~mschulter/BlackLaundry.zip>

Please note that these files are related to microabc-2006-07-10, and
as cautioned in the documentation, might require revisions or
compatibility adjustments to be used with later versions. This is an
evolving art.

By the way, you can see two different approaches for Sagittal notation
of certain scales or pieces which use mainly notes from the upper
12-note keyboard of the Peppermint 24 temperament by comparing the
notation in BlackLaundry.zip to that in a file to which I posted a URL
earlier today:

<http://www.bestII.com/~mschulter/Shur17.pdf>

In the zip archive, things are notated with reference to C on the lower
keyboard, meaning _lots_ of /|\ signs, here representing both the
33:32 or "11-diesis" (as in JI), and also the Archytas or septimal
thirdtone at 28:27, with the Peppermint step of 59 cents serving both
purposes. In the Shur17.pdf version, however, C/|\ on the upper
keyboard becomes simply "C" -- and intervals and Sagittal symbols are
measured from it.

Comparing the two versions of the three-voice piece _Black Laundry_
may suggest how the latter notation can be simpler when a piece uses
mostly notes on the upper keyboard. Also, the latter version uses the
spelling A-C|||)-F|||) for a cadential sonority spelled A/|\-D-G in
the first version. The two are synonymous in Peppermint, but in a JI
reading, the new version raises C and F precisely by 243:224, giving
the just 7:9:12 which Peppermint very closely approximates. The
earlier version in a JI reading raised A by a 33:32, giving a major
third and sixth almost 10 cents larger each than 9:7 and 12:7. This
can be a neat variation, and the Sagittal system and microabc are
flexible enough to let one express nuances like this.

Hudson, you've lent immense support through this effort, and had an
opportunity to get lots of evidence for a presentation showing that
not everyone who uses Linux is an expert system administrator.

My special greeting to you, George, and thanks for the encouraging
note. I know a bit about what you and Dave and others have been
through to perfect the Sagittal system, and microabc was a neat
incentive to make Sagittal my notation system of choice. Of course,
your wonderful 17-tone well-temperament provided the occasion for a
most precious opportunity for me to benefit from your mentorship --
and above all from your humor, patience, and precious friendship.

Also, George, I'm finding something with Sagittal that makes me also
thank another friend, Shaahin Mohaajeri: the notation makes it
possible to different signs all of which can represent the Persian
type of interval known as a koron or sori (respectively about a
thirdtone down or up), but also indicate in a system such as
Peppermint the size of this interval (59, 70, or 80 cents). This can
be helpful in distinguishing different types or shadings of neutral
thirds or sixths, for example.

My best to all of you, and I hope that you enjoy this archive showing
the joys of Sagittal and of its implementation in microabc.

Also, Jon, thank you for reminding me of the anniversary!

Peace and love,

Margo