Naming a Key on Songs With Modulations
This isn’t really a problem or question about how to do something in MuseScore but rather a question related to standard practice with published sheet music so I apologize if this isn’t an appropriate place to ask…
Anyway…
When I create scores in MuseScore I name them and include the key so I can see at a glance which key is which when I am looking at a list. For example with a song like “Stardust” where I have a few different key versions I would name them Stardust – Bb, Stardust – Eb, etc.
However, what is the standard practice for key naming when a song clearly modulates?
For example, I recently scored a version of “(New) San Antonio Rose” as recorded by Bob Wills and others that includes the instrumental “introduction” of the entire song played in D Major, followed by a modulation to Ab Major with the entire song covered along with the vocals.
Would a sheet music publisher name this (New) San Antonio Rose – D or (New) San Antonio Rose – Ab?
Thank you in advance for any guidance anyone can offer!!
Comments
I wonder if key-naming a piece provides any meaning to "the general music lover". Especially outside the serious-music (a.k.a. 'classical') genre. Chopin's two piano concertos are named E minor and F minor. I doubt something like "Strike Up The Band in E flat" (Gershwin) would make sense to the Average Joe. FWIW.