[Finale] Expression marks

[Jonathan Smith]

It seems to be a slow day, so here is a copying question: For years, for non-vocal music, I have always put expressive marks (like espressivo and dolce and feroce and so on) above the line.  I have seen this in some published music, and I like keeping it cleanly separated from dynamics.  And thinking was, since tempo markings often include _expression_ (like Lively, or Slow, with great _expression_), and since these go above, why not keep all expressive marks above? I was looking over something someone gave me maybe 10 years ago -- a style manual from Schirmer that is also used by Peters (and others, I assume). They say that _expression_ marks ALWAYS go below the staff. Is there variability on this?  Is it a matter of style?  Or is it iron-clad (like "slurs always above stems going in different directions" or dynamics always below the staff)? Opinions? David Froom Instructional - Above staff Stylistic - Below staff The main thing is to keep it consistent within the work or publications. What I can't stand is tiny italicized tempo markings placed below the staff and I have good reason. You only have look at any instrumental parts engraved like this upon their return after performance, to see that they are inevitably marked up identically by the performers in pencil, large and clear <above> the staff. As are most instructional type markings.  Publishers and engravers should incorporate direct feedback like this their 'house' style. It would be far more popular to the actual performers. After all, they are the ones who have to read it! Jonathan

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