Hello,
I have difficulties with percussion map and VSL. I can’t setup properly the percussion map to get crescendo rolls.
The correct switch does not trigger with the tremolo + crescendo technical playback in this example.
When I play, I get the F5 switch (no crescendo).
Any Idea what can be wrong here ?
I can’t remember if Percussion Maps are transferred within files, but you’re welcome to attach your project for someone to fiddle with (and maybe solve?!).
here is the file
test suspended cymb.dorico (427.4 KB)
I’d suggest setting up an expression map for percussion instruments that are capable of cresc rolls. No keyswitches, but dynamics set up to use crossfade. You’ll need the VSL instrument’s crossfade to be engaged, and the dynamic entry in the expression map set to correspond to the appropriate CC.
Dorico should then read your percussion map, see the tremolo and switch accordingly. I’d suggest specifying a start and end dynamic p<f, f<fff or whatever
So far as I know, hairpins don’t emit the “crescendo” or “diminuendo” playback techniques, so you’ll need to create a playing technique and add it to the score at the desired position to trigger the playback technique. The playing technique itself can be hidden.
Ok thanks for your help. I’ve set up an expression map using crossfade.
It works very well now.
The default percussion map provided by VSL is not usable as hairpins don’t emit crescendo playback techniques.
The VSL Synchron percussion I-III series, which I just picked up in the VSL sale, really seems the most complicated percussion library to map in Dorico. I saw several references in this and other threads to VSL provided percussion maps but I can‘t find them on the VSL site. The most recent VSL installation package for Dorico does not include the Percussion libraries as far as I can see.There are expression maps for Cubase for Synchron percussion but importing into Dorico is of not much use as nearly none of the articulation descriptions match with the Dorico techniques and all have to be linked manually with a Dorico existing technique which vaguely resembles the VSL one or probably better as none of them will have correct notation in the score like that you have to create new ones in particular for all the sticks which are available.
On top of this the timed dynamics which started this thread are not obvious even with a combined percussion and expression map. The combination of the tempo of the piece and the length of the hairpin should basically trigger the correct crescendo or diminuendo. I am not sure this is possible.
Last aspect is of course what should be indicated in the score and what should only be in play mode to get best possible sound representation of the composer´s ideas. Most guidelines for percussion writing recommend to leave e.g. sticks choice to the percussionist based on the contextual dynamic marks and mood indications in the score. There is a very nice guideline from percussionist and professor Chris Stock on the orchestral percussion subject. I only found part 1 and would like to purchase 2 and 3 but have not found an online shop offering these chapters.
