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overlapping scores

I do 4-part vocal arrangements. Normally the lyrics go between the 2 staves; but sometimes when the bass part (say) has an alternative rhythm, they need a separate lyric line, and this is put at the bottom of the lower staff.

But then, if there are triplets, NWC puts a big "3" beneath that staff, which dumps right on top of that lyric line. By using the vertical size parameters in staff properties, I can make that lyric line slide lower below the staff, to avoid this.

Now, the real problem. I don't know how NWC allocates staves to a printed page -- how it decides to put 4 rather than 5 staves on one page. But when I adjust the bottom lyric line as I described, NWC doesn't even look at this when allocating the staves to the printed page, because that low line of lyrics may print right on top of text which happens to be above the next staff on the page. I would have thought that they would have used all information about a staff line (lyric lines, text, other special data - like the triplet thing) when allocating staves to a printed page, and not let anything overlap. But they don't do that. So is there any way to force more space between staves on the same page? Or is this a wish-list item?

And thanx in advance for any ideas or suggestions. NWC is a great tool -- but just a pain in the butt once in a while. :-)

Re: overlapping scores

Reply #1 –
Have you tried increasing the upper staff size of the top staff,or the lower staff size of the bottom staff so that all the features you mention fall inside the blue rectangle which appears when you select the staff?

You'll need to move the lyrics (adjust the offset) to the right place, but be careful. It's fine if the offset is positive - the staff size stays put and the lyrics move. If you make the offset negative however the staff size reduces sharply and you have to reset it. NWC has stated in the past that this is by design! :-(

Peter

Re: overlapping scores

Reply #2 –
A couple things:

1 - Staff Properties will allow you change the size of any staff, although it does change the size for the staff in all systems when you print.

2 - You can move lyrics around using the Configuration tab. You can align them above or below the staff, and move them closer or further away from the staff boundary set in #1 above.

Re: overlapping scores

Reply #3 –
But why does changing the Lyric Offset to a negative value also change the staff size?

Peter

Re: overlapping scores

Reply #4 –
There is still a bug in there somewehere. NWC has always adjusted the staff size to fit the iascc lines that you configure. The negative offset is confusing it.

Re: overlapping scores

Reply #5 –
[iascc?] Please disregard the extraneous word...

Re: overlapping scores

Reply #6 –
I use NWC to print SATB choir music, often with the extra Bass lyrics below that staff, as was mentioned. Using all of the features available in NWC, I have so far always been able to solve positioning problems.

In the worst-case scenario, try this: Place your extra lyrics as text, rather than lyrics. That way, they can be positioned wherever you like. Be sure to use the same font as you do for the lyrics. Also, be sure that the individual syllables relate to the notes. This might involve placing the syllables one-by-one, rather than as a continuous line of text. Also be sure to look at the result with print preview.
 

Re: overlapping scores

Reply #7 –
Another hint: you may want to use a layered staff for the bass line where the triplets occur. I remember using such a trick for an alto passage.
Another possibility is to use an extra lyric line for your staff, but this may be somewhat confusing.

Example: suppose there are 4 notes by measure, and the 2nd measure has notes that are too low and over-impress the lyrics.
Then: 1st lyrics wil have:
ta da ta da _ _ _ _ ta da ta da
2nd lyrics will have:
_ _ _ _ tee dee tee dee

if you choose the extra-lyric-line solution;
the same lyics can be used with the 2 layered staves (but each has 1 lyric line). The layered staff's height, to my knowledge, ha no influence to the real height, so you can place your lyrics a bit lower.

Such a trick can also be used to enter more than 8 lyrics line.
Or to make more space between lyrics lines.

HTH!