Best way to copy the spacing of intertwined voices in this vintage Brahms Edition

[jb_sherry]

Here’s the edition I’m copying from:

Dorico is similar but with more space between voices than the old edition:

It would be rhythmically clearer with the notes tighter. Is there a setting that will tighten up the spacing between the voices? I’m guessing that Dorico will not put the dots on the other side of the opposing voice’s stem on its own, but can it be done in Engrave Mode?

Thanks!

Edit: I just noticed I pulled the score example 1 bar late, but both Dorico and the score I’m emulating have the same transposed figuration and spacing in the second bar of the passage.

[dan_kreider]

Yes, you can switch to note spacing tool in Engrave Mode and move the square spacing handles freely. You can alternately select the small circular handles to move only that selected voice in the staff without moving the same vertical locations in other staves.

There are limits to how you can move dots. In this case, I would make it an undotted note, hide the rests, and make dots as text items that can be freely dragged wherever you want them.

[jb_sherry]

I see what you mean. I looked up moving the Rhythm dot, and it’s a bit wide:

It’s way better, though.

Thanks for the quick response!

[ObiwanKenobi]

If I may offer a humble opinion, I find that the placement of the dots in Dorico is clearer to read than in the vintage edition.
The only snag is the upper tie, which has to be brought close to the quarter A and the quarter F (L.H). Wouldn’t change the direction solve the problem ?

[k_b]

Yes Jonathan,
start by switching to Engrave Mode, selecting the ties (one by one) and flipping them F.

[benwiggy]

Reducing the “Minimum Gaps” in Layout Options will let Dorico get things closer together.

You’ll find that hand engraving frequently uses very short stems in order to get piano staves close together, and often ‘crashes’ dynamics onto the staff lines.