Re: Feathered beams: More than one beam at the end?

[address@hidden]

On Mar 11, 2012, at 9:04 AM, James Harkins wrote:

> Another question -- is there any way to make the narrow end of a feathered 
> beam show more than one beam? That is, as far as I can see, the beams taper 
> down to one point (as in this code snip) but the documentation doesn't show 
> any way to specify the number of beams you want at the end.
> 
> \version "2.14.2"
> \include "english.ly"
> 
> %     \override Beam #'grow-direction = #LEFT
> %     % revert to non-feathered beams
> %     \override Beam #'grow-direction = #'()
> 
> \relative c'' {
>  \key d \major
>  \numericTimeSignature
>  r16
>  \override Beam #'grow-direction = #LEFT
>  \scaleDurations #'(2 . 1) { e32 [ e e e e e e ] }
>  \override Beam #'grow-direction = #'()
>  e16 e e4.
> }
> 
> In this example, I'd like to indicate that the note duration at the end of 
> the feathered bit should be a 16th note (and the performed rhythm would merge 
> smoothly with the metered notes following). As shown, it kind of looks like 
> the notes should slow down to roughly an eighth note, and then the next 16th 
> notes would be played faster. Not the intent.
> 
> Writing by hand, I might start the feathered part with 32nd notes and merge 
> two of the beams down into one, leaving 16th notes at the end.
> 
> If it's impossible, I'll work around it with some explanatory text. Maybe a 
> viable feature request?
> 

'tis a viable feature request.

Han-Wen and I had kicked this idea around last year: I think all the code is 
there in beam.cc : it's just a question of someone reading it, understanding 
(or re-understanding) it, adding a few lines and creating a property.

Cheers,
MS