Halving an entire arrangement

Dorico
1

I discovered that I could halve note durations, which is very helpful in converting an arrangement based in 8th notes into one based in 16th notes (however, Write > Edit Duration > Halve ONLY works if the Insert tool is selected; otherwise the notes are shortened in location with rests added). I am wondering if there is a more Global approach to halving an arrangement, so all of the other information is preserved in relative position – chord symbols, bar lines, repeats, Rehearsal marks, text cues and information.

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2

Not at this time.

3

Thanks for confirmation. That would be a nice feature to have. Since we are talking Global changes. Is there any way to safely transpose an entire arrangement (e.g. a couple of semi-tones to find a better key for a singer), preserving the integrity of all accidentals? From what I can see, if I use the system track and select the entire arrangement, I should be able to move the entire thing, then change the key signature. Is that correct? Or should I change the key signature first? Or is there a better method?

4

I would suggest selecting with the system track and then using Write > Transpose, which will take care of notes and key signatures in one go.

Two things to be careful of here:

  • Make sure you specify your transposition interval correctly. A semitone is not always a minor second; for example, something like Ab to A is an augmented unison. (A minor second up from Ab would be Bbb.)
  • If you have key changes in your piece, you may have to transpose one section at a time, to account for intervals that are technically different, because Dorico won’t let you transpose into a key signature with double and triple sharps/flats.
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5

There is a better method!
You can use the system track to select everything, then use the transpose dialog (Write>Transpose..). Make sure you check the Transpose key signatures option. Also, it is easier to use the interval calculator on the right to set up the transposition!

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6

You actually don’t need the System Track for Dorico to transpose the entire document. Just make sure nothing is selected at all, and the entire document will be addressed by default. But definitely have “transpose key sigs” selected!

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Thanks all, I will make some duplicates and try both methods! Much appreciated!

8

Experimentation is the very best way to learn how to use Dorico features.

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