IWBNI it were possible to specify the length of articulations for which Copy the Main Symbol is checked on the Articulation Designer dialog box.

As it is now, the initial length of an articulation that is copied Horizontally is 2 characters. For such articulations, the new Length edit box could specify the initial length in terms of the number of characters.

As it is now, the initial length of an articulation that is copied Vertically is a function of the size of the interval between the lowest and highest notes of the chord to which it is attached. Specifically, if the interval size is n, the length of the articulation will be 1+(n/2) characters for even n, and 1+((n-1)/2) characters for odd n. For example, if the interval size is a fourth (i.e. n=4), initially there will be 3 characters. If the interval size is a seventh (i.e. n=7), initially there will be 4 characters.

For articulations that are copied Vertically, the new Length control could consist of two constant offsets that would be added to the current formulas that are used. There could be an Odd Interval Offset and an Even Interval Offset. With these offsets the new length formulas would be:

For even intervals, Length = 1 + (n/2) + Even Interval Offset characters
For odd intervals, Length = 1 + ((n-1)/2) + Odd Interval Offset characters

Making The Initial Length of Rolled-Chord Articulations Shorter

As it is now, some feel that rolled-chord articulations are too long. Such articulations must be adjusted manually. The new offsets proposed here would allow one to control the length of such articulations to be more closely matched with the height of chords. Specifically, the following formulas result in rolled-chord articulations that either exactly match the chord length (in the even interval case) or are 1/2 space longer than the chord (in the odd interval case):

For even intervals, Length = 1 + (n/2) - 2 characters
For odd intervals, Length = 1 + ((n-1)/2) - 1 characters

Note: Negative offsets such as these can cause a formula to evaluate to a number of characters that is less than or equal to zero for some n. In such cases, 1 character should be used.

Created: December 22, 1999 (based on a submission from Vaughan Schlepp)
Last Updated: December 22, 1999
Version: Finale 2000b