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Noteworthy Composer vs Mozart

Author: Jerry
Date: 2003-08-17 04:18

I downloaded each of these programs (for free) but can't decide which one to buy. Noteworthy is $40 and Mozart is $80.

The differences I noted include the following:
* Mozart is a bit more automatic (bars/measures are inserted automatically; you have to do this manually in Noteworty
* Noteworthy seems to be a bit crisper in its user interface; Mozart required some hunting to select and change some entries
* Mozart has cresendo/decrescendo symbols that can be stretched across multiple measures; Noteworthy has only the abbreviated terms, no symbols that I can find, and I'm not sure how that effects playback volume
* Each one will handle the minimal demands I will place on such software - creating simple duets, trios, or quartets at most.
* I'm not sure which one is easier to use for "transposing instruments" like clarinets, etc.

Short of spending numerous additional hours with addtional comparisons, are there any folk out there who have used both and have additional comparisons to share? Are there any stark pros or cons with either program? I know there are earlier threads on this topic, but none that gave a clear comparison of these relatively inexpensive programs.

Thanks for your help!
Jerry

Jerry
The Villages, FL

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Re: Noteworthy Composer vs Mozart

Author: CJB
Date: 2003-08-17 18:12

Jerry

I've never used Noteworthy, but have heard others swear by it.

I've been using Mozart for a few years and have been really impressed with it. As long as I've remembered to set the instrument before putting in the music (either in concert or written pitch) I've never had any problems with transposing instruments (you can overcome adding the instrument after starting but it tends to lead me to swearing fits!). It can get a little slow with huge scores but duets 4tets etc. aren't a problem. The support is fantastic with a really active Yahoo group, most queries are answered by the guy that wrote the software who also accepts suggestions for additions to the program.

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Re: Noteworthy Composer vs Mozart

Author: Burt
Date: 2003-08-17 20:39

I have Noteworthy Composer at home, but have never used Mozart. Noteworthy is a convenient program for small ensembles, but it doesn't compare with Finale in features or price.

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Re: Noteworthy Composer vs Mozart

Author: Jerry
Date: 2003-08-18 20:20

Burt:

Can you share some of the other strengths and weaknesses you've observed in Noteworthy?

Thanks.
Jerry

Jerry
The Villages, FL

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Re: Noteworthy Composer vs Mozart

Author: ginny
Date: 2003-08-20 02:21

Hi Jerry,

I have found noteworthy very adequate for all my needs. I have had it set up to enter notes with a midi interface. I have never used the midi to enter the rhythm however.

I have used it to practice difficult rhythms, difficult passages and transcribe Balkan music. I have found it to be excellent in every way and fun.

bad point: when it transposes it does not always go to the key I want, a C# may come out as a Db.

I have not used it to write out a large scores however.

My son wrote a clarinet quartet piece on it (which got an honorable mention in a local competition) and it seemed fine.

Ginny

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Re: Noteworthy Composer vs Mozart

Author: Burt
Date: 2003-08-21 23:49

My version of Noteworthy (1.75) may not be the newest. Some of the problems may have been solved. It's been a while since I've used it.

Ginny mentioned one major problem in Noteworthy: enharmonics. Sometimes transposing back and forth solves the problem - sometimes not.

Changing clefs is not handled correctly. The clef gets changed but the notes don't move on the clef, so (going from bass to treble) a C becomes an A (minor 3rd) and an E becomes a C (major 3rd). So it's not just a matter of transposing to correct the problem.

Creating beams is a pain.

If you change the format (staff size, margins, etc.), the text won't move with the music - a problem in lyrics and other text information.

I haven't learned how to transfer files between Noteworthy and Finale - via MIDI is a painful way.

But I'm not saying that Noteworthy is a bad program. I used it to write quartets, inputting the data via a MIDI keyboard, then correcting the errors. You can break a score into parts and listen to the parts. The printing is good. I've had access to Finale lately, so I haven't used Noteworthy.

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