First page of today's work

[Peter West]

Here is the first page I produced today of a string Quartet by Harold Parra (page 22). Hopefully dealing with 5 pages a day should get this finished in a couple of weeks (feels like a hundred years). This is all done in Finale, no imported graphics.

Some detail will need tidying this is raw work, unchecked before 1st proof.

[Fred G. Unn]

That looks like a PITA to work on! What was your basic set up? A base of 4 staves, each with 2 lines set to 7 spaces or something, plus other staves to be hidden or shown as needed?

[Peter West]

The main view has the 4 basic staves for string quartet (they sometimes play on a 5-line staff). I then have staff styles for (so far 3) other special staves. The clef is created in the clef designer and the staff style has transpositions set to show this clef but not change the notes.

[John Ruggero]

I think this is a viruoso performance, Peter, and we haven't even heard the piece yet.

And no quarter rests in the 3/8! Whew!

[OCTO]

OMG! That is THE job, Peter.
I know it is not impossible in Finale, but you have it done with precision.
I will write more tomorrow when I print it out.
Best, O

[Peter West]

I managed five pages of this yesterday, hopefully five more today.... perhaps I'll get some sleep on Sunday!

[OCTO]

Some quick comments:
1. I would move away the measure numbers. They disappear, in a way, but also it gets more complicated (or complex) when they are to close.
2. Maybe the time signatures could be just between staves, somehow bolder (not wider...).
3. I would add extra braces for each instrument. For me, as it is score, the instruments tend to melt together, I loose a grasp what instrument has what lines.

Overall, it is an excellent job, Peter!

[Peter West]

Thanks Octo. While I can see your suggestions might make some difference, I am working to a strict style sheet, and those 3 options are not available to me. Thanks for your appreciative comments

[OCTO]

I see. Who is publisher?

[Peter West]

Durand