Glissando lines are reflected in playback using either a sequence of notes or a continuous pitch bend between the start and end notes for each glissando.
Glissando playback type
In Dorico Elements, there are the following glissando playback types:
- Continuous
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Glissandos sound as a smooth slide between the start and end pitches for each glissando line, using MIDI pitch bend.
The following instrument families use continuous glissando playback by default: brass, singers, electronics, and strings.
NoteContinuous glissando playback requires the support of the sound library, consecutive notes only, and an appropriate pitch range set for the corresponding expression map. For example, HALion Symphonic Orchestra only supports a continuous glissando range of one whole step (two semitones).
Glissandos use chromatic glissando playback as a fallback if their pitch range is wider than is supported, or if the instrument ever plays chords; that is, two or more notes simultaneously.
- Chromatic
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Glissandos sound as a sequence of notes, usually a half-step (semitone) apart, between the start and end pitches for each glissando line.
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Harp pedal diagrams affect the pitches used in harp glissando playback.
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All other instruments use the 12-EDO chromatic scale, regardless of the current tonality system.
Chromatic glissando playback is the default for all instruments that do not use either continuous or white notes glissando playback.
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- White notes
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Glissandos sound as a sequence of notes, only comprising natural pitches; that is, the pitches represented by white keys on keyboards.
White notes glissando playback is the default for keyboard and pitched percussion instruments.
Glissando playback duration
When glissando lines start or end on tie chains, their playback starts from the last notehead and ends at the first notehead.
By default, glissandos start sounding halfway through their duration; for tied notes, this is the duration of the last notehead in the tie chain. You can change the delay at the start of glissando lines in playback.