You can input dynamics and modifiers using the dynamics popover, both during note input and by adding them to existing music, including inputting whole dynamic phrases. 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.
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You can input dynamics in the middle of tie chains by starting note input, then moving the caret to the required rhythmic position.
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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
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 on the default side of the staff for the instrument type, regardless of the voice’s stem direction.
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 music.
During note input, dynamics are input at the caret position on all staves across which the caret extends. If you included an open-ended gradual dynamic, it extends automatically when you advance the caret or input notes. Voice-specific dynamics are input in the voice indicated by the quarter note symbol beside the caret.
Dynamics added to existing music are input at the rhythmic position of, or span the duration of, either only notes or any items on each selected staff, according to your item input position setting.
Gradual dynamics added to existing music end at either the start or end of the last selected note, according to your gradual dynamic input position setting.
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If you entered a dynamic phrase into the popover during note input, such as p<f>p, each gradual dynamic lasts a quarter note (crotchet). You can lengthen/shorten gradual dynamics and groups of dynamics later.
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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.
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Pairs of separate hairpins are treated differently than messa di voce hairpins. For example, separate hairpins each have start and end handles in Write mode, whereas messa di voce hairpins share a single center handle.
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You can input hairpins and messa di voce hairpins directly, without using the popover.
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For a crescendo hairpin, press <.
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For a diminuendo hairpin, press >.
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For a crescendo/diminuendo messa di voce hairpin, press Shift-Alt/Opt-,.
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For a diminuendo/crescendo messa di voce hairpin, press Shift-Alt/Opt-..
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After Completing This Task
You can move dynamics within dynamic phrases and change the placement of dynamics relative to the staff.