Re: the question of triplets

[Hilary Snaden]

On 27/04/13 05:02, David Kastrup wrote:
> Sarah k Alawami<address@hidden>  writes:
>
> > Ok. I understand how triplets work. I've played them often enough lol!
> > but in lily pond according to the manual it says it's written in a
> > fraction. That's the part I don't get. I'm very horrible at math so is
> > there a way to comprehend these triplets.
>
> Before version 2.17.11, the syntax is
>
> \times 2/3 { c8 d e }
>
> meaning that each written eighth note takes only two thirds of the time
> that an eighth note usually would take.
>
> That's too mathematical not just for you.  With version 2.17.11, the
> documented and recommended syntax has changed to
>
> \tuplet 3/2 { c8 d e }
>
> which means that you get three tuplets in the time of two ordinary
> notes.
>
> Both are just different ways of saying the same, but apparently the
> second way is much more natural to people.

After using LilyPond for seven years, I've got used to the \times x/y 
notation. How long will it remain available alongside \tuplet y/x?

> So if you are using a
> version of LilyPond earlier than 2.17.11, use \times and remember that
> the fraction is just opposite of what you'd think it should be.

\tuplet y/x is more logical, and would have been a better way of doing 
it from the outset, but it's really not that difficult mentally to 
associate \times x/y with playing y notes in the time of x.

--
Hilary