I have imported a MusicXML file created by Dorico. The score looks OK with both dynamic marks and slurs but none seem to be reflected in the interpretation. I thought the dynamic markings (pp, ff, <> etc.) should show in the note velocity and or in the CC11 lane but all velocities are identical at 100 and the CC11 lane is empty.
I managed to get . (dot) to be interpreted as staccato using the attribute in the expression map but it is impossible to mark all slurs in a 1000 bar+ composition with a text legato. (even if it would be invisible) A workaround might be to change the default Long to Legato and mark remaining, not so many, long notes but that is a bit weird.
I managed to get the modulation and expression tracks from Dorico by importing a Midi version of the same composition and copying the score from the MusicXML version to the imported Midi tracks. Copying the velocities is not possible as they are an integrated feature of the Midi notes. A time consuming affair as well.
On the other hand Cubase does not seem to recognize the dynamics markings which were imported in the score although they all match Cubase dynamic marking convention. As per the dynamics mapping in Cubase they should influence the velocities.
There is not much point of having an MusicXML import function if that basic feature is not working.
I will probably export wave audio tracks from Dorico instead and process those in Cubase to improve the final mockup sound.
Hi Mavros-re the procedure you mention above, can I ask for your advice as to the steps to actually do this? eg. would it be perhaps:
1 export separately, both a midi file and music xml file of the source notation file;
2 create new Cubase project, and first import midi file;
3 create new project (or perhaps a set of new tracks in existing new project??), and import the music xml file.
4 check. confirm or modify desired tempo changes produced by midi file
5 then copy and transfer across actual notes data from xml tracks.
Would this sort of combination process result in a full set of dynamics, expression, velocities, and tempo changes matching the original notation file???
The compromise is to have a perfect score in Dorico and the best possible playback in Cubase. So in Cubase you will not need the score part with the dynamic markings and you completely avoid MusicXML.
When you export Midi from Dorico this file will include all dynamics interpreted by Dorico and eventual manual overwrites you made. Depending on the libraries and presets you use these dynamics will be reflected by the individual note velocities and one or more CC lanes. Example for VSL WW and Brass I use a note velocity and CC2 preset and for percussion and strings note velocity and CC1. I also add a lane for the vibrato CC which I automate manually.
Next step would be to prepare Cubase for the import. You can of course do that with a template so you have to do it only once. You create a project with exactly the same instruments in the same order as used in Dorico using the same presets. You should enter them best as rack instruments. These rack instruments should all have a midi tracks linked to them. Cubase creates one each time you add a rack instrument. These midi tracks serve to receive the midi tracks from your file exported from Dorico. Important, these mdi tracks should not have the expression maps linked to them as the midi tracks which will be imported already have the articulation key switches included.
Once this done you can import the midi file created by Dorico into your project. Do not create a new project. After import below the tracks you created, you will see a midi track for each instrument in Dorico with events containing the notes, key switches, velocities and all CC lanes required.
Last step is to cut and paste the events in those tracks to the empty midi tracks linked to the instruments you have prepared. If all are in the same order this can be done with one cut and paste step. Move all events vertically to the bar they were imported to. Do not shift them horizontally otherwise your tempo track does not match. You can then delete the now empty midi tracks imported from Dorico.
Important:before midi import in Settings>Midi File:
1 under Import Options untag “Ignore master track events on merge”. This makes sure you import the tempo from your Dorico midi file.
2 Also under Import Option set Destination to MIDI tracks to avoid that Halion instruments are automatically created and linked to them when you import midi otherwise you get a mess.