[sib-access] Tips 'n Tricks: Inputting Lyrics from Text File
- From: "Dale Lieser" <dale.lieser@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <sib-access@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2013 18:13:37 -0500
INPUTTING LYRICS FROM TEXT FILE
Sibelius provides the means for efficient entry of lyrics via the "From text
file" option. Once a text file of lyrics has been carefully created, this
feature gets the lyrics from that file and aligns them properly with the
notes of the selected passage. The sequence of keystrokes for the "From Text
File" feature is: alt+c, x, y, f.
Preparing the Text File
Proper hyphenation and spacing are the two most important considerations
when writing your text file. Hyphenation should follow the normal practice
of dividing words and nothing more. Spacing, however, demands much detail.
Remember that both the hyphen (-)and space (blank space entered via the
<spacebar>) advance the Sibelius cursor to the next note.
In multi-syllabic words in which each component applies to only one note, no
extra spacing is required. But when one syllable spans more than a single
note, additional spaces cause Sibelius to execute the appropriate visual
indications while also working proper alignment with the notes.
Let's use the line from the carol Joy to the World, "Let every heart prepare
Him room, And", as our example. With a 2/4 meter, our example will be
approximately 4 measures long. Carefully examine the following line with
regard to hyphenation and spacing, and then we'll discuss it.
Let eve- ry heart pre-pare Him room, And
First, note that the hyphenation offers no surprises, the words being
divided in standard places.
Now the examination of spacing. Remember that a single space advances to the
next note. The "extra" spaces provide the necessary advancing to other notes
to which a given syllable applies. In the first syllable of "every", the
hyphen serves to advance the cursor to the next note. Then, even though one
would not normally have a space in the middle of a word, just such a thing
is required here, in order to not get to the second syllable too soon.
The second syllable of "every" is followed by two, yes, 2 spaces. Since no
hyphen is involved because the word "every" has ended, the extra space is
what tells Sibelius that the word "heart" does not come just yet.
Since the word "heart" is only one syllable, but spans three notes in our
example, the setting of this lyric to its notes calls for three spaces.
For the sake of our example, let's call hyphens and spaces "advancers",
because of the forward movement they exert on the cursor. Here is the rule
for entering lyrics for proper spacing:
Beginning of Rule
The number of advancers must be equal to the number of notes for a given
syllable.
End of Rule
So then, you can use a hyphen, a space, or a combination of a hyphen and one
or more spaces to get the job done. Note that you will not use two
consecutive hyphens. However, consecutive spaces are not uncommon. The only
place for a hyphen in a set of advancers is the beginning of the string. Do
not use a hyphen between or after spaces.
Although Sibelius offers the option of hyphenating lyrics automatically, do
not use that choice, since reviewing the result, and editing if necessary,
are more cumbersome than worthwhile. Also, editing the lyrics usually
destroys the alignment Sibelius has so nicely provided when flowing from a
text file.
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