Page 1 of 1

Free irregular tremolo

Posted: 17 Jan 2017, 03:12
by OCTO
Is there any standard symbol that could be applied to a note (or stem) or between two notes that represents an irregular tremolo (=tremolo of varying speed)?

I know that it is not a "standard" playing of tremolo, but anyway..., an already used symbol in music literature.

Re: Free irregular tremolo

Posted: 17 Jan 2017, 09:37
by Knut
I don't think so, but a simple text expression should get the point across.

Re: Free irregular tremolo

Posted: 17 Jan 2017, 13:08
by MJCube
I suppose you could indicate it roughly with something like feathered beams. Unless it should be completely unspecified.

Re: Free irregular tremolo

Posted: 17 Jan 2017, 13:43
by Knut
Actually, the most recent version of SMuFL (and Bravura) includes the Stockhausen 'morsen' character, which is intended for an irregular more code-like tremolo effect:
Skjermbilde 2017-01-17 kl. 14.41.16.png
Skjermbilde 2017-01-17 kl. 14.41.16.png (13.7 KiB) Viewed 14727 times

Re: Free irregular tremolo

Posted: 17 Jan 2017, 18:34
by OCTO
Thanks friends.
Any other proposal for
1. Single note irregular tremolo
2. Irregular tremolo between two notes?

Maybe just a description and frame-line?

Btw, Knut, do you have an example of Stok use of that symbol?

Re: Free irregular tremolo

Posted: 17 Jan 2017, 19:30
by Knut
OCTO wrote: 17 Jan 2017, 18:34 Btw, Knut, do you have an example of Stok use of that symbol?
No, sorry, I don't, but it's supposed to be quite frequent in Stockhausen's scores.
It is intended for use on single notes; the left beam should be centered on the stem as with a regular tremolo.

I don't have a good suggestion for irregular finger tremolo, unfortunately, although I'm quite sure one can be found with some research into contemporary string works. This shouldn't be that uncommon.

Re: Free irregular tremolo

Posted: 17 Jan 2017, 22:54
by Knut
After pondering this a bit, I would suggest one of the following three alternatives (provided you're not able to find a more standardized notation, of course):

1. If you want to specify the tempo of the tremolo, I'd go for feathered beaming as MJCube suggests. Single note tremolos could in this case also be written out with the strokes above the notes and arrows in between, signifying gradual changes.
2. If you want a fast and somewhat irregular tremolo, you might perhaps use a slash through the tremolo bars (on single notes) or through the beams (on two note tremolos), accompanied by an explanatory note.
3. If you want a lot of variation in tempo, completely at the performer's discretion, I think the best option might be to simply use explanatory text.

Re: Free irregular tremolo

Posted: 18 Jan 2017, 16:58
by billstevens
The November font has several of these:

Unmeasured tremolo à la Penderecki
Wieniawski unmeasured tremolo (on stem)
Wieniawski unmeasured tremolo (simpler, on stem)

Re: Free irregular tremolo

Posted: 18 Jan 2017, 19:19
by Knut
Bill, AFAIK theose are all for regular unmeasured tremolo, not irregular tremolo.

Re: Free irregular tremolo

Posted: 19 Jan 2017, 09:21
by OCTO
Yes, correct. I think I will go with a symbol + explanation.

I might use B on the stem, as "bisbigliando" or similar. And of course I will give an explanation.