Re: \relative issue

[Paul Scott]

Werner LEMBERG wrote:
> > > > I consider this unnatural.  Additionally, it isn't documented in
> > > > section `Relative octaves' that the default startpitch is c' (and
> > > > not c).
> > > >         
> > Actually isn't middle C (c') as logical as anything as default.
> > What's special about the octave below middle C?
> >     
>
> Consider this:
>
>   \relative c { c' }     ->    c'
>
> This is an identity relation, quite natural in the mathematical sense.
> On the other hand, we have
>
>   \relative { c' }       ->    c''
>
> which is surprising for me.
>   
An octave above middle C is quite a reasonable outcome to me.  (I never 
use the default for \relative;  I always specify the starting pitch).
>   
> > What sense does \relative if one doesn't say what it's relative to?
> >     
>
> Well, I haven't invented that syntax :-) I'm just wondering about a
> good default.
>   
In light of this suprising you and the idea that relative means relative 
to something I might suggest that there be no default and that not 
specifying a starting point be an error.

Paul