Skip to main content
Topic: a way to do notes shorter than 64th duration (Read 4955 times) previous topic - next topic

a way to do notes shorter than 64th duration

A way to do notes shorter than 64th duration until nwc  adds the true capabilities.

. only works with beamed notes
. #3+ are optional

1.Enter in 64th notes as normal

2.Where the duration gets shorter double, quadruple etc.
the tempo and hide the tempo marking

3.Where the beamed 64th notes are go to page setup/fonts
and change user1 or the first user font that is free
to: Times New Roman - bold - a suitable font size

4. insert as two text items

I. as many hyphons as you need
II.the same amount of hyphons as I. but with a space
before it
set it all to "at next note or bar"
do this for as many extra lines as you need

by doing this you have more control over the vertical
position of the extra line(s).

Re: a way to do notes shorter than 64th duration

Reply #1
Thx Simon, I suppose that by "hyphon" you mean the "-" character?

This thing works fine, though you may know that:
1. if you don't insert a hidden bar line at the proper place (maybe with an extra temp. time signature too), then I would recommend not to use the "audit bar lines" tool anymore;
2. this works for "horizontal" beams only (which is the majority)

And when it comes to horizonal beams, I prefer to use a layered staff, with the same number of 64ths at the third above or below of the first note, making them hidden, except the first one which must have the same note height than the "real" one, and must be visible.

As with 1.75 version we can mute notes, we can do this better. I've not yet found a way for beam not horizontal, but we can force them to be horizontal... Look at the example of 128ths on this page. You will need to "allow layering" (File |Page Setup | Contents, or Alt+(F,G,A)) to see the final result; I let it this way (unlayered) in order to be more easily understandable.

This same applies for 256ths if you want (just move the proper hidden note a third more)

HTH :-)

Re: a way to do notes shorter than 64th duration

Reply #2
When I was in college, I remember doing a piece called Mars.  I am unable to hear this passage in the Holst symphony, so I assume it must have been a different Mars.

What I recall was a baritone part involving an upward scale of 64th notes.  I was totally unable to do this, so just slurred upward and twiddled my fingers on the keys.  The result was an upward whoop!  Whoop!

What astonished me was that the scale had accidentals.  How could anybody possibly hear the accidentals, much less play them?

Does anybody recognize what piece this was, and in particular, who was the composer?

I am at new.id@sbcglobal.net.

Re: a way to do notes shorter than 64th duration

Reply #3
More than likely, you are referring to The Planets, by Gustav Holst.
You might be surprised who might be able to hear the accidentals, and who can play them.