Playing Techniques and Playback Techniques in Dorico
Introduction
Dorico provides a flexible and powerful system for handling playing techniques (visible markings in the score) and their connection to playback techniques (how they are interpreted for virtual instruments). Understanding the relationship between these two elements is crucial for fine-tuning both notation clarity and realistic playback.
This guide will cover:
- The difference between Playing Techniques and Playback Techniques.
- How to create and edit them.
- How they interact through Expression Maps.
Playing Techniques: What They Are and How to Use Them
Playing Techniques in Dorico are visual markings that indicate how an instrument should be played. These include:
- Articulations: staccato, tenuto, marcato
- Bowings: downbow, upbow
- Harmonics and pizzicato (for strings)
- Mute instructions: con sordino, senza sordino
- Wind techniques: flutter tonguing, overblowing
- Piano pedal markings
How to Apply Playing Techniques
- Select a note and press Shift+P to open the Playing Techniques popover.
- Type the name of the technique (e.g., pizz for pizzicato) and press Enter.
- Dorico automatically places the playing technique and assigns it to the appropriate instrument.
Editing Playing Techniques
- Playing Techniques can be moved, resized, or deleted just like other score elements.
- In Engrave Mode, you can fine-tune their placement and appearance.
- Custom playing techniques can be created via Library > Playing Techniques….
Playback Techniques: Controlling the Sound
Playback Techniques determine how Dorico interprets Playing Techniques in the score and translates them into MIDI playback instructions.
How Playback Techniques Work
- Each Playing Technique is mapped to a Playback Technique, which triggers the correct sound in a virtual instrument.
- These are stored in Library > Playback Techniques….
- Playback Techniques send messages to VST instruments or MIDI devices, changing parameters like key switches, CC values, or program changes.
Examples of Playback Techniques in Action
- When you enter pizzicato, Dorico triggers a key switch that tells your sampled string library to switch to a pizzicato articulation.
- If you enter con sordino, Dorico applies a filter or key switch to enable muted brass sounds.
Connecting Playing Techniques and Playback Techniques with Expression Maps
Expression Maps are where Playing and Playback Techniques come together. They allow you to define how Dorico should trigger the correct sound in a sample library or VST instrument.
Creating an Expression Map
- Go to Play Mode and open Expression Maps (found in the VST and MIDI setup panel).
- Click New Expression Map and name it.
- Add an entry in the Techniques list:
- Select the Playing Technique (e.g., pizzicato).
- Assign a Playback Technique (e.g., key switch C1 for pizzicato in a sample library).
- Adjust MIDI settings like velocity, CC controls, or program changes.
- Assign the Expression Map to an instrument track in Play Mode.
Fine-Tuning Expression Maps
- Some sample libraries require multiple Playback Techniques (e.g., pizzicato + tremolo) for advanced control.
- You can create custom Playback Techniques if a library needs a special trigger.
- Use the MIDI controller lanes in Play Mode to adjust dynamics and articulations further.
Conclusion
By understanding Playing Techniques, Playback Techniques, and Expression Maps, you can take full control of both notation and playback realism in Dorico. Whether you’re preparing clean scores for performers or detailed mockups for MIDI playback, these tools provide the flexibility to achieve professional results.