Replace slur

• Apr 26, 2022 - 13:48

Is there a notation which can be written down instead of using a looong slur, used for - I think - kind of a accompaniment of one or more voices, in a multiple voices score?
(Example in the picture attached - at altos and sopranos, first, then tenors and basses)

Attachment Size
example musescore.png 71.66 KB

Comments

In case you didn't catch Jojo's terse, one-word reply--
Just replace the long slurs with the written direction "legato", or omit them entirely--it's pretty clear from the score which voices have the musical interest, and which are the "accompaniment." Omitting the slurs will make the parts easier to read, for sure.
HOWEVER, standard vocal notation requires a melisma line after the last syllable of a word when it extends over more than one note--or notehead, actually: even when the note is tied (as in your 1st and 2nd measures, all voices); and even when the syllable extends for more than one system--sopranos and altos, end of first system through middle of third. Adding these will also make your intentions easier to read.
https://musescore.org/en/handbook/3/lyrics#melisma

In reply to by wfazekas1

I also have to give an ending direction for the 'legato' marking? Or it is counted as being obvious?
It is binding to add that melisma line? One of the reasons I've switched from Sibelius to MuseScore was that line. It appeared always after a syllable which extended over multiple notes, and, at first, I didn't know how to get rid of it (after a while I found a plugin which was disabling this function). I don't see its use if there is already a slur/tie between notes that are on the same syllable, which makes the legato playing obvious.

In reply to by Jean Sibelius

Indeed, and for the most part, a melisma line is the proper way to notate syllables held over several notes. It is even used if only two notes are involved. This tells the singer exactly how long to sing the syllable in a more precise manner.
I don't think you need to use legato or a long slur at all. A long slur is used for phrasing.

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