How can I condense calls to create lyrics into a single variable call?

Question

I am working on a template for SATB Vocal hymn. To show the lyrics underneath the Soprano line, I use the following.

      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
        \set stanza = "1." \small \verseOne
      }
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
        \set stanza = "2." \small \verseTwo
      }
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
        \set stanza = "3." \small \verseThree
      }
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
        \set stanza = "4." \small \verseFour
      }
      \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
        \set stanza = "5." \small \verseFive
      }

It works well inside a \score. I can see 5 stanzas in this hymn.

My question is, is it possible to combine all these 15 lines for showing lyrics into a single variable? Say \allVerses which replaces these 15 lines?

I tried ...

allVerses = {
    \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
      \set stanza = "1." \small \verseOne
    }
    \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
      \set stanza = "2." \small \verseTwo
    }
    \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
      \set stanza = "3." \small \verseThree
    }
    \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
      \set stanza = "4." \small \verseFour
    }
    \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
      \set stanza = "5." \small \verseFive
    }
  }

... but this method only display the first stanza in the SATB song.

So, is there a way for showing all lyrics using a single variable?

Thank you!!

Answer 1

You’re almost there, all you have to do is to wrap the various \new Lyrics blocks in double chevrons << & >>. This will make each of these occur simultaneously rather than sequentially.

allVerses = {
    <<
        \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
            \set stanza = "1." \small \verseOne
        }
        \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
            \set stanza = "2." \small \verseTwo
        }
        \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
            \set stanza = "3." \small \verseThree
        }
        \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
            \set stanza = "4." \small \verseFour
        }
        \new Lyrics \lyricsto "Soprano" {
            \set stanza = "5." \small \verseFive
        }
    >>
}