Turn VP song into duet/SATB versions - best practice?

Dorico
1

Hey, I’m just learning Dorico, after years in another transcription software (Encore); and today finished my first Vocal-Piano song in Dorico, with lyrics and chords.

Now that it’s done, I want to do a second version of that song, keeping the piano and chords the same, but splitting the vocal part and lyrics into a duet format (male and female) - adding new harmonies, counter-melodies, etc.

Later I want to expand the song yet again into SATB format, with 4 separate vocal lines over the same piano and chords. I’d like to retain each of these 3 separate versions of the song to print and use in different performance contexts over time.

In Dorico, is it best to do this in a “Save As” operation, saving each of those 3 different versions (VP, Duet, SATB) of the song with a different filename? (which is what I did for years in Encore).

Or, is it better in Dorico to maybe to make each of the 3 versions different Flows within the same Project? Or another course altogether? Recommendations?

2

It depends if each version has the same number of bars (if different, flows might be best, then they are all in the same file.)

If it is the same number of bars, then you control what you see (each combination of “instruments/vocals”) using Layouts.

each layout has some of them, not all.
If the Piano is the same, then it will be in each Layout, although you might have two or more piano parts depending on the singers, so each would be only in one layout.
Someone will post a suitable video link for Layouts if you ask (or even if you don’t, :slight_smile: )

You can duplicate the voice (player in Setup) already with lyrics, then (octave transpose for low voice and high voice) as an option, or use re-pitch if the actual note is changed (but rhythm remains the same) or as you might do, just input again for each voice for both rhythm and pitches being different.

You will get more ideas as others post here.

3

Oh, Layouts. That idea hadn’t even occurred to me. Thanks so much. :slight_smile:

That’s one of the many new treasures in Dorico I’m just beginning to fathom. I appreciate you turning my attention to it.

If I understand this properly, I should create parts as follows:

  1. Piano on grand staff (which is done)
  2. Vocal part (complete melody, with lyrics and chords - which is done)

These two parts together would comprise the “Vocal Piano” Layout.
The vocal part alone could also serve as a “Lead Sheet” Layout, with melody, lyrics, and chords.

For the duet version, I’ll also need to create:
3) Female part, on the treble clef
4) Male part, on the bass clef.
These two parts begin with the notes and lyrics from " 2) Vocal part with chords" - but with the Male part an octave lower. Melody is distributed and alternating between these two voices; then harmonies and countermelodies are added to the part not currently carrying the melody.

These two parts, plus the piano, would comprise the "Duet" Layout.

For the SATB version, I’d also create:
5) Soprano part
6) Alto part
7) Tenor part
8) Bass part
This version would start with the allocations of melody and harmony in the Duet part - but then add even more harmonization, counter-melodies, and richness to the overall sound.

These 4 parts, plus the piano, would comprise the “SATB” Layout.

Am I understanding this correctly?

PS - I did some research, and found a few videos on Layouts. I tried to post these here for the benefit of anyone with similar questions - but got an error message, disallowing me to post links. But these titles could be searched on YouTube:

How to Create Custom Layouts | Setup Mode in Dorico (Dorico team)
02-The Essential Guide to Mastering Dorico’s Layout. (Homayoon TV)
Sharing your project | Getting Started with Dorico SE (Dorico team)

What is the correct way to post videos here, as referred to in the first response?

Still open, as the first respondent noted, to other ideas or suggestions. Thank you!

– Carrie Maxwell Wrigley

1 Like
4

This looks to be exactly what I would do, and was the workflow suggested above, yes! :star_struck: :+1:

Benji

5

For a link with text, highlight the words then use the Hyperlink icon

Hyperlink icon
Hyperlink icon1004×120 11.7 KB

at the top of the posting window and copy/paste the URL of the video. The words will be highlighted as a link to click/tap on.

Or simply copy/paste the URL into your message.

(You might be prevented in doing these if you are a new user, perhaps it will work next time.)

Have fun! and if you have further questions as you progress, please feel free to ask here at the forum Carrie :slight_smile: