Someone sent me three separate MuseScore files - for C, Bb, and Eb instruments. These are for the same piece with some counterpoint.
I want to combine the three separate files into a single Dorico Score. However, I’m stumbling with importing into Dorico.
First Attempt:
I created a Dorico project with three parts, or players. Then I created three MusicXML files from MuseScore - for Dorico to import.
This did not work well. I wasn’t able to insert a MusicXML file into a part. Instead the musical notes would get placed at the end of the piece. I also noticed that all three MusicXML files were being identified as piano. Perhaps that is the reason. This seemed messy and complicated so I aborted this idea.
Second Attempt:
Next, I tried opening a MusicXML file in Dorico, copying the notes, and then pasting the notes into the Dorico project set up with three parts, or three players.
At least all of the parts were imported and lined up correctly. Unfortunately, though, the notes get altered or automatically transposed when pasted into a part. Initially, I thought this shouldn’t be a big issue because I can use Edit >> Transpose to re-transpose back to the original notes. But this caused another issue, the key signature changes. So, we’re back to messy again.
Before I try attempt number three - I’d figure it’d be best to ask the following question:
The MusicXML files are already transposed. Nothing needs to be altered. Is there a way to import these into Dorico without Dorico intervening and changing the notes (or key)?
Just a guess. If Dorico cannot identify the correct transposition instrument from the XML (which seems to be case, if it thinks the imports are pianos), it will assume the XML is at concert pitch (how could it do otherwise?)
Your second attempt is the way to go. Once imported did you go to Setup mode and make sure each imported player is assigned to the correct instrument? I’ve done hundreds of imports from musescore and sibelius. I find the biggest issue is that the xml file is not telling dorico the proper instrument so Dorico guesses at the best option. (Don’t rely on the player name, look at the actual instrument and check in Play mode what instrument is assigned by default - use the Auto playback template to start with). You may have to select all in the Bb or Eb parts and move the pitches up/down chromatically to get the correct concert pitch.
For whatever reason I don’t see how to achieve this. Dorico automatically changes the notes when importing. When I try to re-transpose the notes back to the original notes then the key signature changes.
It is easy. And intuitively you started it the right way.
step, set up a project with three players, give them the instruments, they are supposed to play, clarinets, saxophones or other.
step, import all your xml files into Dorico. Let them create New Instruments. Don’t worry, how they turn out, they will be appended to the end as single flows.
step, change to Write Mode, make sure the score shows in Concert Pitch. Then select the music from the first appended flow, copy and paste it into your first flow into the right system.
Repeat for the other imported flows.
That should be it. Now in Setup Mode you can delete the imported flows and the extra unnecessary instruments.
Don’t use the transpose option. Instead select all the notes (Ctrl-A). Then press shift-alt up or down arrow to move chromatically. That won’t change the key signature. Steinberg
I’m still struggling with a simple import - two weeks later. When I have more time I’ll try, yet again, - but the gist of it is this: It’s messy. It’s totally messy and haphazard to import three separate XMLMusic files into Dorico without having to manually manipulate things - only to end up failing..
This ought to be ultra simple - and it would be if it weren’t for the fact that Dorico MUST change the written notes upon import.
I believe the problem begins with the person who sent me the MuseScore files. The three parts for C, Bb, and Eb instruments are in separate Muscore files. Dorico is super confused by this - believing all three are concert pitch - when in reality nothing needs to be changed. If Dorico had an override to just not change anything then import would be trivial. Instead it’s become a bit of morass.
Using Alt-Shift up/down-arrows has been helpful, very helpful, to undo the auto-transposing by Dorico without changing the key signature.
At the moment I’ve merged all three parts - the note values and keys are all correct - and for a moment I actually THOUGHT this was behind me until I noticed that Dorico combined 16 measures into a single measure. WHY? Did I do this? Is this a weird glitch? How would I fix this? Should I start the import over again?
I’m massively frustrated right now - so I’ll get back to this in a week or two - or maybe a few months from now.
If you follow the simple 3-step procedure, as stated above, it works 100% reliably - and you have full control yourself at the same time.
Yes, it needs three steps, but they are all actually fun to do and reward you with a perfect result.
You can send me your xml files - and I offer to do the import for you.