I am a beginner in Dorico, currently working on my very first symphonic score. I’m trying to recreate the score of The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky, but I’ve run into several challenges and would like to ask for your help:
1. Merging Instrument Names
I am trying to input multiple identical instruments (e.g., multiple clarinets or bassoons) but can’t figure out how to merge their instrument names on the score. Currently, each instrument shows as a separate name, but I’d like them to be grouped as shown in the image.
2. Displaying Multiple Tempo Marks
When attempting to add multiple tempo marks (e.g., “Lento” and “Poco accelerando” in the image), the second tempo mark often overwrites the first one. I’m unsure how to display multiple tempo indications simultaneously.
3. Title and Spacing Issues
I am struggling to recreate the title format shown in the image (e.g., bilingual titles with the first part name and “Introduction”). I also find it difficult to adjust the spacing to make it look as clean and precise as in the original image .
4. Layout and Hidden Instrument Issues
I’ve learned how to hide certain instruments individually, as shown in the image, but every time I do so, the page layout changes (e.g., the spacing becomes uneven or stretched). This makes it inconvenient to input or edit instruments afterward. Overall, I feel like I still don’t fully understand the engraving settings in Dorico .
Since this is my first time creating a symphonic score, I am still unfamiliar with many operations. If anyone could explain the steps in detail, I would greatly appreciate your guidance! Thank you so much in advance for your help!
As said, someone has provided a free dorico project file of the Rite of Spring, which may be useful, but there may still be merit in doing it yourself, if you’re trying to learn Dorico.
However, it’s quite a big, complex project for a first attempt. I’d advise starting with the First Steps tutorial project.
Are you talking about “Condensing”? (Two instruments sharing a staff in the score.)
You can’t have two tempi at exactly the same beat position. Which one would Dorico obey? Lento is on bar 1, and poco accelerando in bar 5.
Don’t do any page layout until you’ve got all the music in.
I am a beginner in Dorico, currently working on my very first symphonic score. I’m trying to recreate the score of The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky…
“I am a beginner in driving, currently working on my very first Formula 1 Grand Prix.”
Sorry for the joke, @Moriooo, but I’m impressed at how high you are aiming with your first Dorico project!
When I first started with Dorico, my method of learning was to notate snippets (small sections) of large scores. This allowed me to understand notation options, layout options and playback options.
Also, the Popover PDF (can’t find link, sorry) is a life saver. The power behind popovers is truly amazing.
I think so, but I haven’t yet figured out how to adjust it in Condensing. I’ll keep trying!
2. I see! Previously, I mistakenly treated colla parte as a tempo marking, which caused it to override lento. I’ll change it to a performance instruction instead.
3. Thank you for your suggestion! This is actually an assignment from my teacher (though he just wanted me to give it a try), and it requires completing the first three pages. I had developed a habit of adjusting the layout page by page when working on simpler scores, which caused the issue . I’ll make sure to improve moving forward.
Thanks again for your valuable advice!
Haha, I know it does sound a bit exaggerated. Honestly, I feel the same way, but this is an assignment from my teacher. I’ve only just started learning from him, but in fact, he doesn’t use Dorico—he works with Finale. Everything I’ve learned about Dorico so far is self-taught. He might not realize how challenging it is to complete such a large-scale project in Dorico (to be fair, if I didn’t know I could seek help from experienced members on the forum, I would probably have told him I couldn’t do it for now!).
Of course, I would never use this score for any commercial purpose—it’s purely for learning! Thank you so much for the reminder; I’ll be extra cautious!
I see, I understand your method! I will also learn! thank As for this tool, it’s the first time I’ve heard of it. I will search for its usage method! Thank you for your suggestion
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. I’ll make sure to improve moving forward.
