Re: Setting Gregorian chant: Note spacing for two note neumes seem to depend on length of lyric text

[Aaron Hill]

On 2020-10-20 12:07 pm, Matthew Fong wrote:
> I've been a little puzzled by a LilyPond layout issue. I apologize in
> advance for the long example, so I have included the input .ly files, 
> and
> sample output. The files will require some commenting and uncommenting 
> of
> appropriate sections.
>
> Many thanks in advances for any insights.
>
> *Issue*
> Two-and-more note neume spacing using \syllable function is affected by
> some interaction of the *first* syllable, and the *final* Amen. It 
> seems
> like LilyPond can squeeze the notes much closer together, as is seen 
> when
> \syllable is not used at all (but does not result in consistent note
> spacing).

Sorry, I do not have much time to dig in further.

I notice one difference is the system count.  Have you tried forcing the 
system count to three to see if LilyPond opts for tighter spacing?

%%%%
\paper { system-count = 3 }
%%%%

I suspect that spacing may be just at a cusp where it could fit to three 
systems but LilyPond decides to throw in a fourth system.  Thus then the 
notes are forced to space further apart to fill the extra system.

Just a thought.


-- Aaron Hill