 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-05-08 14:23
There was a thread on this earlier so I got curious and did a little exploring on prices and abilities. I had already downloaded and used some of the demo versions. So here are my results and personal opinions and some of my experiences. Note that I haven't yet explored any of these to their fullest capability but gave them a reasonable trial. All will read in midi files and convert them. All will write midi files. So you can share files back and forth that way even though they may not read each others notation files. All will allow scoring multiple instruments (some more than others). I believe they all allow input from midi instruments as well as using the computer keyboard as an instrument keyboard and using the point and click of a mouse. All produce pretty good looking output.
Noteworthy Composer - Shareware
Shareware version limits number of saves
$39 for full version
In reading in triplet rhythms from midi files, it will not use triplet notation. Fairly user friendly and easy to learn. Probably worth its price but MusicTime Deluxe is a better buy.
Notation files not compatible with any other notation software.
Finale
Demo version available but you cannot save your work
$545 (probably prohibitive for casual users)
Lets you do just about anything. Large, complex scores are possible.
Takes a while to learn as although the menus are good, it is not very intuitive.
Notation files compatible with Finale Allegro
Allows reading in files created with Encore.
Finale Allegro
Demo version available but you cannot save your work.
$199 so probably worthwhile for a significant percent of amateurs
Has almost the full range of features as Finale and will allow complex scores.
Notations files compatible with Finale but not other notation software.
Encore
Gvox bought out Passport designs and it is once again available.
No demo version available so haven't tried it.
$399
Based on promotional literature, a very complete product and allows complex scores.
If it is like its simpler companion (MusicTime Deluxe), it should be easy and intuitive to learn.
Will read MusicTime Deluxe files
MusicTime Deluxe
Gvox bought out Passport designs and it is once again available.
No demo version available
$59.99, in my opinion this is the most bang for the buck.
Allows notating up to 16 staves per system so reasonable size scores can be produced.
Multiple voices are allowed.
Allows notating ornaments (trills, turns, etc). They print out as you notate them but play as regular notes. If you want them to play correctly you must notate them in the manner that you play them rather than how they should print.
Very easy to learn, very intuitive.
Even at this low price, you can extract and print individual instrument parts, etc.
Cannot read or write notation files for other programs.
I have done a large number of scores in MusicTime Deluxe and have almost never found it to fall short of my needs. The main limitation is the number of staves per system and the combination of staves and voices (staves x voices must be less than 64). However this has been no problem as I'm not doing orchestral compositions. It's wonderful for small ensembles, clarinet/piano scores, etc. Yes I am biased. I love this program. For the price it is magnificent. Like anything else it has its limits but you are getting more than you are paying for.
For a much more complete description of what MusicTime Deluxe can do, here's the Gvox home page.
http://www.gvox.com/
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Author: Evan
Date: 1999-05-09 16:52
there are two quite noteworthy (no pun intendid) programs in wich you forgot to mention.
On is
Cakewalk Overture
Demo at www.cakewalk.com(cannot save)
2-300.00
Amazing program does everything not as easy to learn, but once you learn it, it is the fastest way to input into your computer (even without a midi keyboard)
Sibelius
5-600.00
The greatest notation prgram ever
It does everything, sounds great, inputs very easily & Quickly, has every mark known to man, even jazz marks. The most flexible program, many templates. Well worth every dollar
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The Clarinet Pages
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