User manual

Table Of Contents

Interchangeable

An interchangeable time signature indicates a set of time signatures at the start of

the piece that can be used during the piece, such as 3/4–2/4. Unlike alternating time

signatures, interchangeable time signatures do not require a xed pattern; any bar in

the piece can follow any of the time signatures in the set without having to restate the

time signature.

NOTE

You must manually input the appropriate time signatures where you want them,

as unlike alternating time signatures, there is no

xed pattern for them. Any time

signatures you input that are specied in the interchangeable time signature are

hidden automatically.

They can have different separator styles in Dorico Elements, which you can change for

individual time signatures.

Aggregate

An aggregate time signature shows two or more meters within the same bar, such

as 2/4+3/8+5/4.

Dorico Elements automatically shows dashed barlines to indicate the

divisions between the different meters, but you can also specify that you do not want

to show dashed barlines when you input aggregate time signatures with the popover.

Open

An open time signature has no restrictions on meter, beaming, or beats. Any number

of notes can be added, with any beaming. For example, open time signatures might be

used for cadenza passages.

Non-power of two

A non-power of two time signature is one such as 5/6, which indicates ve sextuplet

quarter notes (crotchets) where the sextuplet overall equals a whole note (semibreve).

Examples of time signatures like this can be found in the music of Adès.

Some composers, such as Boulez, have written fractional time signatures. Dorico Elements does

not currently support these.