Re: style sheet: dynamic {espr, dolce, legato}

[Kieren MacMillan]

Hi all,

> > > The one tricky thing is the horizontal placement: for things like  
> > > "mf
> > > dolce", I wanted the "mf" aligned with the notehead.  For something
> > > like "sub p", should the "p" be aligned with the notehead, or should
> > > the "sub" be aligned?
> >
> > The above-mentioned snippet argues that the dynamic should be aligned
> > with the notehead,
>
> Yes, for a "sempre pp" that's what both an old engraving from 189x  
> and one
> from 1996 do. Actually, one instrument has a p and all others have  
> "sempre
> pp". The p and pp are aligned with each other.

Just my 2¢ as a composer (and obsessive-compulsive engraver):

Whenever possible, I use (e.g.) "pp sempre" instead of "sempre pp" —  
that way, the left edge of the dynamic itself (as opposed to the  
"modifier") can be aligned with the beat it belongs to, and the  
modifier trails into the music it belongs to. I find it's more  
consistent, easier to sight-read, and takes away one more decision in  
the engraving process.

> Imagine a "subito pp". If you are sight-reading such a mark, it's  
> really easy
> to miss the fact that the pp should start immedately at the spot  
> where "subito" is placed.

Precisely.

HTH!
Kieren.