Composers vs Engravers: Stems and Slurs part 5

Discuss the rules of notation, standard notation practices, efficient notation practices and graphic design.
User avatar
OCTO
Posts: 1742
Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 06:52
Location: Sweden

Re: Composers vs Engravers: Stems and Slurs part 5

Post by OCTO »

I like the second example here. It speaks directly to me what voices are and what it shoudl be done.
The third example looks like "bad Finale"-hanglig ties.
Freelance Composer. Self-Publisher.
Finale 27.3 • Sibelius 2023.5• MuseScore 4+ • Logic Pro X+ • Ableton Live 11+ • Digital Performer 10+ /// MacOS Monterey (secondary in use systems: Fedora 35, Windows 10)
User avatar
John Ruggero
Posts: 2453
Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 14:25
Location: Raleigh, NC USA

Re: Composers vs Engravers: Stems and Slurs part 5

Post by John Ruggero »

Thanks, OCTO. You are very persuasive.

Before I make my final decision. Anyone out there in favor of no. 1? Going once, going twice...
M1 Mac mini (OS 12.4), Dorico, Finale 25.5, GPO 4, Affinity Publisher 2, SmartScore 64 Pro, JW Plug-ins, TG Tools, Keyboard maestro

http://www.cantilenapress.com
Schonbergian
Posts: 252
Joined: 03 Feb 2017, 02:25
Location: Toronto

Re: Composers vs Engravers: Stems and Slurs part 5

Post by Schonbergian »

It's a hard call, but I do ever-so-slightly err on the side of 1 in this case, not because of its particular legibility but because of the lack thereof with the other two. 2, in my mind, doesn't follow the melody and is too far from the notes to aid legibility, while 1 is the only option that seems to follow the notes in any meaningful way.
User avatar
John Ruggero
Posts: 2453
Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 14:25
Location: Raleigh, NC USA

Re: Composers vs Engravers: Stems and Slurs part 5

Post by John Ruggero »

That was my thinking exactly, Schonbergian. I guess I will wait to make my decision. Maybe time will bring clarity.
M1 Mac mini (OS 12.4), Dorico, Finale 25.5, GPO 4, Affinity Publisher 2, SmartScore 64 Pro, JW Plug-ins, TG Tools, Keyboard maestro

http://www.cantilenapress.com
Knut
Posts: 867
Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 18:07
Location: Oslo, Norway

Re: Composers vs Engravers: Stems and Slurs part 5

Post by Knut »

For what it's worth, John, I'm definitely sympathetic towards your desire for authenticity and wanting to 'follow your heart', but I do think the conventional sluring in example 2 is clearer and more pleasing to the eye. (Keep in mind that I'm generally a big proponent of S-shaped slures where appropriate. Also, I don't really think the s-shaped slur clarifies the role of voice in any significant way.

However, since I haven't seen the entire piece, or even the page spread in question, I have some reservations, but from what you've shown, I think the conventional approach is the best solution.
Florian
Posts: 86
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 15:34

Re: Composers vs Engravers: Stems and Slurs part 5

Post by Florian »

The S-shaped slur immediately reminded me of the minuscule wrist swing a pianist might do in order to slur the two notes, and I very much like it in the manuscript. For an engraved version, however, I agree with Octo and Knut. I tried it myself with a few bars of the Etude and I found that the S-slur (even when quite thin) interferes way too much with the staff lines. Thus it reduces the readability of the octaves significantly.
User avatar
John Ruggero
Posts: 2453
Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 14:25
Location: Raleigh, NC USA

Re: Composers vs Engravers: Stems and Slurs part 5

Post by John Ruggero »

Thanks, Knut. I was hoping that you would give an opinion.

Florian, that is a most interesting point. The S-slur does look like an arm motion connecting the two notes while simultaneously shaping the octaves.

This may be one of those cases where representing the autograph completely faithfully is an impossibility. I may go with no. 2, but discuss the matter in a footnote with an example.

Thanks everyone for your input. It has been very helpful.
M1 Mac mini (OS 12.4), Dorico, Finale 25.5, GPO 4, Affinity Publisher 2, SmartScore 64 Pro, JW Plug-ins, TG Tools, Keyboard maestro

http://www.cantilenapress.com
Post Reply