# Articulations, dynamics, and text

## Articulations

Use parentheses. Square brackets have other jobs, including chords and
changes of musical context.

| Type | Mark |
| --- | --- |
| Staccato | `(.)` |
| Staccatissimo | `(..)` |
| Accent | `(>)` |
| Tenuto | `(-)` |
| Marcato | `(^)` |
| Portato | `(.-)` |
| Fermata | `(!)` |
| Breath | `(,)` |
| Caesura | `(caesura)` |

```scorescript
(.)4C5 (..)D (>)E (-)F | (^)4G (.-)F (!)2E
```

Several articulations may share a group, such as `(>.)`. An articulation
normally belongs to one note. Its side follows the engraving rules for the
staff and voices; moving it before or after the pitch is not a general
manual placement command for articulations.

Breaths and caesuras mark a point in the phrase without adding a written
rest duration.

```scorescript
4C5 D E F(,) | 2G(caesura) 2r
```

## Repeat an articulation

`(sim)` continues the articulation in force. `(non)` ends that run.
Rests receive no articulation and do not by themselves end a run.
An explicit new articulation group interrupts it.

```scorescript
(-)4C5 (sim)D E F | (non)4G F E D
```

## Dynamics and expression

Common dynamics include `(ppp)`, `(pp)`, `(p)`, `(mp)`, `(mf)`, `(f)`, `(ff)`,
`(fff)`, and `(sfz)`. A dynamic stays in force until another changes it.
Expression words include `(dolce)` and `(cresc)`. Use a quoted string for
your own text, such as `("sul pont.")`.

For dynamics, expression, and text, before the node means above the staff;
after the node means below. Touch the intended node to avoid ambiguous
attachment. A detached floating mark binds left.

| Source | Placement and attachment |
| --- | --- |
| `4C5(p) D E F` | Below C |
| `4C5 (p)D E F` | Above D |
| `4C5 (p) D E F` | Detached; binds left, below C |

```scorescript
4C5(pp "softly") D E F | (mf)2G 2E(dolce)
```

One parenthesized group prints as one line. Put the dynamic and description
together when you want them together. `((p))` is an editorial dynamic,
printed with an enclosure.

## Ornaments and tremolo

`(tr)` marks a trill, `(mord)` a mordent, `(turn)` a turn, and `(iturn)` an
inverted turn. For a trill extending over several notes, use a
[trill line](connectors.md).

```scorescript
4C5(tr) D(mord) E(turn) F(iturn)
```

`(trem)`, `(trem2)`, and `(trem3)` select stem tremolo marks. `(z)` marks a
buzz roll. These are single-note marks; they do not spell an alternating
two-note tremolo.

```scorescript
2C5(trem2) 2D(trem3)
```

Printing an ornament does not guarantee a particular sampled performance.
Check the sound you intend to deliver.