Hey there Ken,
In Lilypond, hairpins always span from the point where you start them
to the next dynamic indication. If you want to end a hairpin without another
printed dynamic indication, you use the \! command at the endpoint:
c4\< d4 e4 f4 g1\> c1\!
As far as how to play it, a piano can play a sustained note that decreases in
volume just fine — just don’t ask them to do a crescendo. :-) More seriously,
the screenshot you shared could indicate a gradual decrescendo in the left
hand. It could just indicate that the notes to follow are quieter. A skilled
live pianist can convey a sense of intensity or quietness via body language,
even if the notes don’t actually get louder or quieter. Or it could just be
that an unskilled composer or transcriptionist just wrote the music down and
didn’t consider whether it was feasible.
Take care,
Mike Seifert
> Hello;
>
> I have another simple engraving question.
>
> I frequently see a crescendo or decrescendo on a single note
> (usually a whole note).
>
> How does a pianist do this? I can see a wind instrument or even a
> string instrument doing this.
>
> And, even more importantly, how to engrave this?
>
> Two measure screenshot provided: first measure I understand; the
> second measure I don't.
>
> Thanks,
> Ken
