NOTATIO

Dorico 6 has just been released, and it's an absolutely huge update, with tons of features.

The headline features are Cutaway scores -- at the press of a button! -- and Proofreading. There's also Loop playback and a new View style: Fill View.

There's improvements in every area -- Chord Suffixes; Condensing for additional instruments; Parentheses and shortcuts for Playing Techniques; Rulers and Grids; Better control over Large time sigs and system objects; support for OpenType features like Small Caps; Interface and workflow improvements galore.

Here's a review.

https://www.scoringnotes.com/reviews/dorico-6/

There's also videos on the official Dorico YouTube channel, showcasing some of the features.

https://www.youtube.com/@dorico

Nice review, Ben! Thank you.

John R.

And there's still stuff I missed out!!

As usual, it's a lot of the little stuff that makes the biggest difference. There are loads of new Engraving and other Options; and lots of nice improvements like double-clicking on Staff Labels to edit them.

That having been said, Proofreading and Cutaways are world-beaters. I suspect that cutaway scores will become more frequently used, because they are now easier to produce.

Although I installed Dorico the day Finale announced its demise and offered the ‘cross-grade’, I have not yet taken the plunge to start working with it.

Question: should I install Dorico 6 before I really do jump in (as I know I must)? My thought is that it's probably best to start with the latest available version, but…

I'm eagerly awaiting approval from the "boss" to purchase the update!

As a persnickety composer, I can't wait to run the proofreading tool on my existing compositions and see what (Dorico thinks) I've missed.

David Ward wrote: ↑30 Apr 2025, 16:56 Question: should I install Dorico 6 before I really do jump in (as I know I must)? My thought is that it's probably best to start with the latest available version, but…

Yes, I'd start with Dorico 6. There are lots of nice improvements in the interface for new users.

hautbois baryton wrote: ↑30 Apr 2025, 17:20 As a persnickety composer, I can't wait to run the proofreading tool on my existing compositions and see what (Dorico thinks) I've missed.

It's very good, though remember that they are warnings -- sometimes even suggestions, and you shouldn't feel compelled to remove every one. I recently transcribed the Overture from Carmen, and while the proofreader did point out mistakes and omissions on my part; it also had some words for Georges' score as published.

hautbois baryton wrote: ↑30 Apr 2025, 17:20 As a persnickety composer, I can't wait to run the proofreading tool on my existing compositions and see what (Dorico thinks) I've missed.

I was just telling with someone else that I will soon be explaining that Dorico’s new proofreading function doesn’t replace the need for a human proofreader.

Though, these are the same kind of people who grouse that they need to hire someone to transcribe. “By now there HAS to be software that does this automatically!” I’ve had that discussion more times than I like to admit.

JJP wrote: ↑30 Apr 2025, 22:54 I was just telling with someone else that I will soon be explaining that Dorico’s new proofreading function doesn’t replace the need for a human proofreader.

Of course, Dorico's proofing doesn't (and can't ) check for "wrong" notes, or missing slurs. (I'm hoping that a future version will be able to check for consecutives, though!)

Because it's available on Elements and SE, I do think it's going to be a massive help to 'novice' engravers. And hopefully "guide composers in their notation choices"...