I am attempting to set up a specialized harp library using ‘bisbigliando’ between multiple notes. As far as I understand it, this notation is frequently written using multi-note tremolo markings:
However, in the expression map window when I go to add a base technique, none of the multi-note options appear to exist no matter what I search (multi-note, three-stroke, etc). I believe it does not exist so I would like to request this as a feature, since it comes up with other type of instruments as well.
I am aware that I could cheat normal tremolo and writing them as chords, i.e.:
However I believe this is not correct notation requiring me to create a secondary playback-only staff; and in addition to that it’s not exactly the same effect of alternating notes.
Correct, there’s no way of triggering a specific playback technique when writing a multi-note tremolo. It’s a tricky thing to implement, because there is a potentially infinite variety of things that the plug-in you’re using needs to then produce the right bisbigliando playback.
If you need a chord to be held for the right duration, for example, you could consider muting the notes and adding a MIDI trigger region with the right chord.
Hi Daniel, thanks for responding. I understand the point you are making about the complexities there. With my plugin (and another harp VST I have programmed maps for in the past, Spitfire), their ‘bisbigliando’ patch is most likely nothing more than varied tremolo samples available on a polyphonic patch, basically allowing you to play combinations of notes and chords while triggering a tremolo-like effect.
So that said, I can of course actually trigger the “bisbigliando” patch using tremolo as chords in this way:
According to Behind Bars, this notation is actually fine for solid chords. However, one of the other effects of bisbigliando involves the rapid alternation of chords or thirds:
I guess what I was originally thinking was to override the multi-stroke behavior (so Dorico doesn’t even attempt to play it), instead allowing it to trigger a base switch in a map instead to cue a patch (could be helpful for various tuned percussion patches), but then again arises the issue of the alternation back and forth which is the conundrum (obviously Dorico would still need to send alternating notes, otherwise we defeat the purpose!).
I’ve not really played around with the Midi region feature much, that does seem helpful. Using that I created a fake additional tremolo (playback) technique to trigger my map, wrote what the score should say (and muted), and then wrote the quickly alternating stack of notes in the midi regions:
In a sense yes, it does work. The patch doesn’t sound fantastic but that’s more a fault of how it’s been programmed (the attack of the notes sounding like machine gun firing even though it does have round robins!).
Anyway let me know if that midi region technique is being employed correctly. It’s giving me ideas for more practical uses of percussion and special effects patches!
