Al leer la música...

Question

Why is al used instead of cuando

¿En la frase siguiente, por qué utilizarla la contracción "Al" en lugar de "cuando"? ¿En este caso, qué significa la contracción "al" en comparación de "cuando" ?(o ¿Cuál es la diferencía de los dos cuando empieza la frase?)

Al leer la música, lo primero que encontraremos será la indicación de compás.

In the following sentence, why does it use the contraction "Al" in place of "cuando?" In this situation, what does the contraction (al) mean in comparison to "cuando?" (or what is the difference between using one or the other to start the sentence?)

When reading music, the first thing we will encounter will be the time signature.

Answer 1

In this context I see little difference. Upon usually carries the nuance of "as soon as", but here the when is expressing the same context since "the first thing" is also included.

Much thanks qfreed - Izanoni1, Aug 28, 2009

Answer 2

I know that "Al leer la música" translates to "Upon reading the music."

Let's wait for an expert to give you a further explanation.

Thank you Marianne- - Izanoni1, Aug 28, 2009