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Posted by 02 On the other hand, theoretically, it might be useful to show all the beats with the proper rests. Think about this, though: can you have a quarter note followed by a half note followed by a quarter note in 4/4 time? Of course you can. Therefore, the half rest, while maybe being a silent syncopation, has a defense. On the subject of clarity in notation, in tonal music, one uses accidentals according to theoretical principles of key and scale; it would be more clear for the beginning flute player if that G# were written as an Ab, given that they call that key an Ab key. So the idea of clarity in notation is not necessarily universal. One must weigh the value of what one is writing down--is it important to show the two quarter rests because of a law of music theory? Or is it okay to go ahead with the half rest? I don't believe anything is compromised with the half rest. Long response, hope it helps! Keep up the good work Alice!
on 11/6/2004, 11:14 am, in reply to "Rests"
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In my view, clarity is important regarding musical notation. The half rest between the two quarter notes is clear, (as is a dotted rest, an odd sight for some of my students the first time they see it)--there is simply less to look at and to process while you're playing the music.
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