I have two questions related to Early Music formatting (I know there is a special package for this, but I cannot ascertain whether, or how, it addresses both questions).
The image below comes from the so-called New Josquin Edition.
Note that the time signature is cut-C, but that there are four half-notes to the measure (4/2). On Finale, one has the possibility to display a time signature different from the “real” one. This seems not to be in Dorico 5.
Then, in mm. 5-6, the hop voice has a dotted barline when dotted half note extends into the next measure. This requires the ability to use different barlines on different staff systems. This is not possible in Finale - but can one do it in Dorico? (And if not, why not?)
You can set the time signature to 4/2, and then check Cut C in the Properties panel:
Tip: if you want to ‘fake’ any time signature, you can create a pickup bar that displays the time signature you want, but has the number of beats you want (which can be any amount). Then create a hidden time signature in the next bar to continue.
Yes.
First, you have to create a “local” time signature on the staff you want. With the Note Entry caret placed on the staff, use the Metre popover to create another time signature of the same value. But, hold ALT (aka Option) when you press Return, and the change will only apply to that staff. (Lots of things can be “local” when you do this.)
Now you can select the barline separately. Change the barline style, and hide the time sig.
If you’re talking about the Scoring Notes ‘package’ – it’s just some ‘ready made’ files and playing techniques. (And a font.) It will save you some work, but it’s not essential for the creation of Early Music. (But obviously, still buy it… 
)
If not, because the feature has not been developed. There is no other reason.
Many thanks for this quick response. I’ve tried the time signature, and it does work – but at the same time raises another question. Cut time, after all, might not be the only “false” time signature I want. Finale’s “Use Different Time Signature for Display” was easy, flexible, and intuitive. Dorico should really be able to do the same.
Ditto concerning barlines (although again, this wasn’t in Finale). Why not just have a “Choose Barline Style” option for individual staves (just as Finale had – and I imagine Dorico has – the option for individual key signatures or time signatures on individual staves)? What you suggest – for which I am nonetheless thankful – is, again, cumbersome and counterintuitive. (It’s not just Early Music, by the way, for which this feature would be useful.)
And one more thought occurs (not unrelated): For mixed vocal-instrumental ensembles (common enough!), one want to beam instrument(s) and voice(s) different. This, again, was easy to do in Finale (e.g.: Instruments in C, voice in 8/8 displaying as C). I hope there is something that easy in Dorico.
Well, I’m sure you’ve got a lot to do, so I shan’t burden you more today.
Best,
Joshua
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My point precisely: It’s the kind of feature that should have been thought of by now.
There are probably hundreds of bright ideas on the to do list. We all have our favourite missing ones. But implying the development team is somehow deficient for not having implemented your feature is frankly insulting (though they are too gracious to mention it).
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The OP (a most distinguished musician), may not have yet realized that Dorico has been released less than 8 years ago by a small group of developers. He’s been quite polite, and this last comment denotes the feeling of disorientation that many feel coming from Finale. I doubt that it was meant as an insulting gesture.
At any rate, there is no doubt that the avalanche of Finale refugees will mean that the team will be assaulted with many “Can we do x in Dorico since I can do it in Finale” requests. Some will undoubtedly be considered, some immediately and many for later consideration. But in the end, they will not transform Dorico into Finale. Some things will be done differently in order to keep the software consistent. As users get to know Dorico better, some of the requests will be framed differently; but let’s remember that Dorico newbies are thrown in a very confusing situation atm. Also, they come from various backgrounds and also different age groups. Patience will rule …
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Oh dear. No insult intended, and apologies is read as such
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Many thanks for the kind words.
Yes, those of us contemplating the switch and considering the options have tons of questions; I hope the Steinberg staff will not feel overwhelmed. Obviously, those developing any program will have their priorities, their lists of “central” properties and those more like icing on the cake; and it’s clear that it’s in the latter that programs’ functionality will most likely differ.
I would imagine, though, that one of the things any design team would do would include having a good idea of just what properties other programs would have beyond the obvious ones that all programs would share. In any event, suggestions are not meant to criticize the teams – for whom all of us have great respect – but to help improve the product.
Best,
Joshua
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Sure, some Finale users are bringing only noise, but it would be the height of hubris to assume there’s nothing to be learned or improved from new users’ preferences and workflows. Some of these engravers and writers were doing high-quality work before I was shaving.
I for one welcome the influx. It will ultimately make Dorico better.
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Indeed. Input is welcome. And this is the best team in world imho. It will be an interesting year! Many surprises I’m sure.