Music notation: Multiple jumps?
Hi all,
I was wondering how you would usually notate a complex repetition like in this (simplified) example:
a-B-c-D-e-D-B-f
This repetition requires three jumps from e to D, then to B and finally to f. Is there any way to express such a "triple jump", and if there is, how would you do it correctly? D.S. al coda (1) al coda (2)?
Thanks a lot in advance!
Thorsten
Comments
Have a read through https://musescore.org/en/handbook/3/repeats-and-jumps to understand what happens here:
![331920-triple-repeat.png]()
Try this:
![complex-repeat.png]()
Edit: Darn, I've been too slow ;-)
But my solution is different, not using 3 repeats of the D-e section, just 2 and a volta
Thanks for these suggestions! Let me say that they did teach me something new, so thanks a lot, but unfortunately they would be too confusing in the piece I am transcribing right now.
My example was a simplified one, the real version has additional shorter repetitions and voltas in some sections. Therefore I'm afraid that adding another "big" volta and/or repetition -- even if possible -- will make things too confusing to read.
I see three ways to solve it (if there's another one, please tell me...)
- Use several markers for jumping (e.g. from segno to 1st coda then to 2nd coda?)
- Mark the sections and name them (e.g. "chorus", "verse"), then give an instruction in full text, such as "from here, play verse followed by chorus, then come back and continue from here".
- If the above appears strange or not possible, simply write down one of the previous sections once again in full...
What would you recommend to someone like me (who still has a lot to learn...)?
Thanks again!
Thorsten
In reply to Thanks for these suggestions… by muellerth
Multiple jumps/volta's really depend on the actual roadmap, so if you could share the score with what you have and a good description, we can see whether it can be made to work.
As for the human musicians; a complex roadmap is likely best understood using for example rehearsal marks for the sections and a description with it. Unless the roadmap becomes clear due to (for example) Lyrics indicating the different verses.
In reply to Multiple jumps/volta's… by jeetee
Thank you for your offer, but it seems that I have found a workable solution.
Once more the simplified layout: a-B-c-D-e-D-B-f
a - (s1) B (to coda) - c - (s2) D [1. ] [2. D.S. 1 al coda] - e (D.S. 2) - (coda) f
s1/s2 = segno 1 / 2
[1. ] / [2. ] = voltas
It finally occurred to me that I can initiate the repetition with a simple "D.S." which at some point reaches a "D.S. al coda" in a 2nd volta so it doesn't apply the first time when this section is played.
Your comments did help to come up with this solution, so thanks again!
Thorsten
In reply to Thank you for your offer,… by muellerth
Or in cases where there might be any confusion, write it out. As a musician, I'd rather not have to worry about what jumps where, when and why. Not that I can't. But there are other things to worry about.
In reply to Or in cases where there… by bobjp
Thanks for your comment, much appreciated. I’m very interested to hear what experienced musicians prefer to see (and what should better be avoided).
In reply to Thanks for your comment,… by muellerth
I consider myself an experienced musician and my view is that you should avoid any repeat structure that is more complicated than repeats with voltas, single DC or DS with or without al fine or al coda. Anything else results in endless questions and explanations during rehearsals. And even after the explanations, there will be someone who has misunderstood or not listened who will do the wrong thing. My mottos are "if in doubt, write it out" and "paper and ink are cheaper than rehearsal time". In summary, keep it simple.
In reply to I consider myself an… by SteveBlower
Great comment and good points, thanks!
In reply to Thanks for your comment,… by muellerth
You wrote:
...and what should better be avoided
See the example attached here:
https://musescore.org/en/node/331858#comment-1126683