Inputting dynamics with the popover

You can input dynamics and modifiers using the dynamics popover, both during note input and by adding them to existing notes. You can also input different dynamics into each voice independently in multiple-voice contexts, for example, to give the separate staves of grand staff instruments different dynamics.

Tip

You can also change dynamics during note input by following these steps when the caret is at the rhythmic position of the dynamic you want to change.

Procedure

  1. In Write mode, do one of the following:

    • Start note input.

      Note

      If you want to input voice-specific dynamics, the caret must be active.

    • Select an item on the staff and at the rhythmic position where you want to input dynamics. If you want to input dynamics across a duration, select items on the staff that span that duration.

  2. Optional: If you want to input dynamics onto multiple staves at once, extend the caret to those staves.
  3. Press Shift-D to open the dynamics popover.
  4. Enter the dynamic you want into the popover.

    For example, p, p<f>p, or f>.

  5. Input the dynamics and close the popover in one of the following ways:

    • To input the dynamics for all voices/staves belonging to the instrument, press Return.

    • During note input, input the dynamics only into the voice indicated by the caret indicator by pressing Alt/Opt-Return.

  6. Optional: During note input, press Space to advance the caret and extend open-ended gradual dynamics, such as p<.

    Open-ended gradual dynamics also extend automatically as you continue inputting notes.

  7. Optional: During note input, stop open-ended dynamics by pressing ? or by opening the dynamics popover again and inputting another immediate dynamic, such as f.

Result

The specified dynamics are input. Unless you input voice-specific dynamics, dynamics apply to all voices on all staves belonging to a single instrument, including grand staff instruments. Voice-specific dynamics are placed below the staff by default, even if they are input into an up-stem voice.

Adjoining dynamics, or dynamics that were input together or in sequence, are automatically grouped together, both during note input and when adding dynamics to existing notes.

During note input, dynamics are input at the caret position, and extend automatically if you included an open-ended gradual dynamic. Voice-specific dynamics are input in the voice indicated by the quarter note symbol beside the caret.

When you add dynamics to existing notes, immediate dynamics are added to the first note in the selection while gradual dynamics are added across the selection.

Note

  • If you entered a dynamic phrase into the popover during note input, such as p<f>p, each dynamic and hairpin lasts a quarter note (crotchet) by default. You can lengthen/shorten gradual dynamics and groups of dynamics later.

  • Some modifiers, such as molto, appear before immediate dynamics rather than after them, even if you do not enter them in that order. This follows the generally accepted practice for the placement of that text.

    You can add modifiers before and after existing dynamics. You can also hide immediate dynamics later if you only want to show the modifier.

After Completing This Task

You can move dynamics within dynamic phrases and change the placement of dynamics relative to the staff.