Bar numbers in concert music

[DBird90]

Why does it seem frowned upon to number every measure in concert music? I asked the question in Music Engraving Tips (MET) and the general response I got was, “concert musicians aren’t used to it.” Yeah, but wouldn’t it save so much time to instantly know where you are (since every bar is numbered), and you don’t have to count backwards or forwards from rehearsal letters? It makes so much more sense to me. Then again, film session players need to know where to start and stop quickly since films have fast turnaround times. And concert music rehearsals usually revolves around major sections, so I guess this might be a moot point.

Thoughts? It seems like a great practice to me. And thank you for the welcome, Mr. Ruggero.

[JJP]

I put bar numbers in concert works. Never had a complaint, and have received a few kudos for doing so. It helps with rehearsals. I see no downside.

[John Ruggero]

That's a great question. When I was a hand copyist, we always numbered every measure in commercial work, for the reasons you mentioned, even though that involved more work and cost the client more. And I seem to remember doing that it in some orchestral scores as well. Now, the only downside that I see in doing that in orchestral parts is possibly cluttering up music that might already have a lot of other complicated indications; or causing difficulties in positioning slurs, dynamics signs etc. or possible page turning problems if it causes less music to be put on each page. It might depend on the style of the music and what is visually best for the players.

It seems to be working well for JJP, and who knows, maybe it will catch on. That's what happens to a new idea of merit, even if it breaks with traditions that have actually become irrelevant.

[hautbois baryton]

I number every bar. It takes a little time to clean up sometimes, but it is always worth it in the time saved in rehearsal.

[John Ruggero]

So it looks like it has already caught on.