Hierachy of text expressions

MichelRE · Post by **MichelRE** » 10 Apr 2024, 12:42

Is there a resource somewhere (I can't seem to find it in Gould, or at least, am not searching the correct wording to get my answer) indicating the normal hierarchy for playing techniques and expressions?

for example, div., arco/pizz, unis., bow marking, harmonic circle, fermata, etc...

I'm finding a lot of instances of div/arco or div/pizz in one of my scores, and am constantly questioning which should be above the other.

Fred G. Unn · Post by **Fred G. Unn** » 10 Apr 2024, 13:14

Gould pg 426 is what I usually refer to.

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MichelRE · Post by **MichelRE** » 10 Apr 2024, 13:36

yes, that's horizontal, but if they need to be placed vertically?
am I to presume that the order would be highest to lowest (from left to right in this list)?
so:

Tutti
div.
arco
sul pont.
?

JJP · Post by **JJP** » 10 Apr 2024, 14:39

I typically use high/low as equivalent to the left/right hierarchy. This is assuming space allows, and that the stack doesn’t get too high.

More than two items can become cumbersome, but context must be our guide, as always.

MichelRE · Post by **MichelRE** » 10 Apr 2024, 17:08

oh, I doubt I'd ever see more than two expressions one above the other in one of my scores. I was just postulating a rather extreme example

OCTO · Post by **OCTO** » 10 Apr 2024, 18:12

MichelRE wrote: ↑10 Apr 2024, 13:36 yes, that's horizontal, but if they need to be placed vertically?
am I to presume that the order would be highest to lowest (from left to right in this list)?
so:

Tutti
div.
arco
sul pont.
?

Yes, I think this is a good way. And it this order, because we go from general to more specific instructions.