Re: Changing the form of a whole-bar rest

[Simon Albrecht]

On 04.12.2016 16:40, Phil Holmes wrote:
> > On 04.12.2016 15:16, David Sumbler wrote:
> > > I want the "normal" whole-bar rest to appear instead, i.e. a semibreve
> > > rest.
> > Why would you want that?
> Seems to make a good deal of sense to me.  We use full measure rests 
> when the bar length is 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 3/8, 4/4, 6/4, 2/2, 3/2, etc., 
> etc.  Why should 4/2 be different?
>
> I would also remark that personally, I think WMRs are the work of the 
> devil. In music where the time signature changes frequently (e.g. the 
> Durufle Requiem) having to keep looking for the most recent time sig 
> change to count the rests before you come in is a complete pain.  
> Don't know who started it as an idea, but I think they should be 
> shot.  Just my 2p.

I’m pretty sure both have merely historical reasons. Engravings from 
around 1800 (e.g. Haydn, Creation) even still used to place full-measure 
_notes_ centered between bar lines as well, regardless of other staves.
I’m sorry to say there’s probably no chance to shoot the inventor of 
WMRs anymore… :-)
Personally, neither bothers me at all. But then again, I am not an 
orchestral musician…

Best, Simon