Re: One staff or 4?

[Timothy S. Nelson]

On Tue, 16 Jan 2001, Ian Turner wrote:

> I'm setting a choral piece in SATB. I've got a movement here which is
> always in unison, but where different parts sing at a time. For example,
> it might be all four parts singing, just the sopranos and the tenors, just
> the altos and the basses, etc.
> 
> What do you guys think? Should I do this all on one staff, which merely
> changes meaning, or should I do it as four staffs?
> 
> Also, if I go with the former, is there a way to make lilypond's midi
> output include the men's voices, an octave lower?

        Note that according to tradition, it's acceptable to write the men's
voices an octave up.  For example, I have a tune (from 1615) in which the Bass
is on a bass clef, the S&A are on a treble, and the Tenor (which has the
melody) also on a treble clef.  

        One consideration is, if you're re-setting an older piece, how was it
done originally.  Another is, how important is it to conserve space (some? not
at all?).  Maybe it would also be best to get the opinion of those who have to
sing it (if you have anyone particular in mind).  

        :)


---------------------------------------------------------------------
| Name: Tim Nelson                 | Because the Creator is,        |
| E-mail: address@hidden | I am                           |
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Web: Temporarily unavailable

----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK----
Version 3.1
GCS d? s: a-- C++>++++$ US+ P++ L++ E- W+++ N+ w+> M-- V- Y+>++ 
PGP->++ R(+) !tv B++ DI++++ D+ G e>++ h!/* y-
-----END GEEK CODE BLOCK-----