Idiomatic notation for lever harp (not pedal harp)

• Nov 1, 2024 - 22:27

Lever harp notation requires diamond shapes placed on the staff where the player should flip the lever to change from, for example, a C to a C#. It's done with the player's left hand. The diamond often needs to be moved manually on the staff and cannot be where a note is already being played.

I know how to change a notehead to a diamond shape but it only works on a half note which isn't normally where you'd want to place it. Any hacks or will I have to buy Dorico or Sibelius? I've attached a sample using Finale so you can see where the lever changes are and what they look like. Thanks!

Attachment Size
Lever change notation example.png 1.45 MB

Comments

Maybe there's an easier way, but if not...

Add a 2nd Voice
Place the notes where you want by inserting rests and then notes
Change the notehead type to diamond
Look in Properties at the Show more... bit for "Override visual duration"
Adjust by making stemless, non-playing, cue size etc. as required, inserting the accidentals etc.

Attachment Size
harpy.mscz 18.74 KB

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