Double Bass Tchaikowsky 5 2nd movement question

[LouisF]

We have a discussion about the circled note in the attached: 3 bars before letter "F" - is the flatted F# played as an F natural or an E?
Wouldn't an "E" need to be written with a natural first (to cancel the sharp) and then the flat? Our conductor says "E"... still...?
Thanks,
Louis

 

[Don Kasper]

Just a jazz guy here - Lenny and Boston play an "Enatural" there...(to an Eb).
The YT video below starts one measure before ( Ab to G half-notes Mf)
(We do this all the time in the jazz world... go to a performance/recording and use our ears, if the paper is suspect.)
Hope this helps, Louis.
Thx.

 

[LouisF]

Yes, it's true, Don. The E sounds fine to my ears in rehearsal and I think (but who remembers at my age) that I've played an "E" the other times I've played the piece, but the question of the "flatted" F# notation came up and a descending scale with the F natural does make a certain sense. But thanks very much.

 

[Don Kasper]

the "flatted" F# notation

That notation choice is bizzare and confusing! (IMFO, of course.)
Nyet!
C'mon Pete! Just write it so it's clear for the performers...let the Music Theorists argue/discuss it at the next "Symposium" (SnoreFest.....)
Thanks.

 

[tb-player]

Your conductor is correct. It’s an E.

In standard notation, a natural sign is used to undo the sharped note. A flat sign replaces the sharp. So in the key of D, an F# with a natural in front is played as F. An F# with a flat in front is played as E.

Another rule… when in doubt, tie goes to the conductor.

 

[LouisF]

Thank you all!