Recent Finale-Dorico convert here, bringing a large choral/orchestral work into Dorico 5 through XML. I have lots of different configurations in my vocal staves. For each SATB section, the music dictates that at different times I will need …
A single voice. Easy. (e.g. the sopranos all sing one thing together)
Two voices with same rhythm and text; stems in same direction. (e.g. S1 and S2 sing different pitches but aligned with each other)
Two voices with different rhythm and text; one with stems up and one with stems down. (e.g. S1 and S2 are independent)
Two separate staves, each with one voice at a time. (e.g. S1 and S2 are easiest to read each on their own staff)
In Setup, do I choose one single Soprano player? Is it a soloist or a section player? Do I need just one staff here?
In Write mode, how should I place the music? Want to work without making my life more difficult – and learn the “correct” way to get it right from the start next time.
Examples below, not all are soprano, but you get the idea.
If one plans for a chorus, then individual section players would be my choice. That allows for divisi on (say) the Alto part when necessary and condensing S & A where expedient.
Condensing vocals still requires some special considerations, lyrics being one; but I would go for separate SATB section staves under the conditions you outline.
Relatedly, is Dorico able to “intelligently” handle deciding when to use which method of combining two voices on one vocal staff? For instance, if I were to enter S1 on one division staff and S2 on the other, is there a way to compel Dorico to combine them on one staff, stemming them together when their rhythm aligns and separately when it doesn’t, positioning the lyrics both below and above as needed? Or do I have to make that stemming decision on my own?
