@c Note: @c @c A menu is needed before every deeper *section nesting of @nodes @c Run M-x texinfo-all-menus-update @c to automagically fill in these menus @c before saving changes @ignore TODO: fix all FIXMEs Rhythm staff (clef, x-notehead) @end ignore @c .{Reference Manual} @node Reference Manual @chapter Reference Manual This document describes GNU LilyPond and its input format. The last revision of this document was for LilyPond 1.3.136. @menu * Overview:: * Note entry:: * Staff notation:: * Polyphony:: * Beaming:: * Expressive marks:: * Ornaments:: * Repeats:: * Piano music:: * Lyrics:: * Chords:: * Writing parts:: * Custodes:: * Tuning output:: * Page layout:: * Sound:: * Music entry:: * Engravers:: * Syntactic details:: @end menu @c . {Overview} @node Overview @section Overview The purpose of LilyPond is explained informally by the term `music typesetter'. This is not a fully correct name: not only does the program print musical symbols, it also makes esthetic decisions. Symbols and their placements are @emph{generated} from a high-level musical description. In other words, LilyPond would be best described by `music compiler' or `music to notation compiler'. LilyPond is linked to GUILE, GNU's Scheme library for extension. The Scheme library provides the glue that holds together the low-level routines and separate modules general, which are C++ When lilypond is run to typeset sheet music, the following happens: @itemize @bullet @item GUILE Initialization: various scheme files are read @item parsing: first standard @code{ly} initialization files are read, and then the user @file{ly} file is read. @item interpretation: the music in the file is processed ``in playing order'', i.e. the order that you use to read sheet music, or the order in which notes are played. @item typesetting: in this step, the results of the interpretation, a typesetting specification, is solved. @item the visible results ("virtual ink") is written to the output file. @end itemize During these stages different types of data play the the main role: during parsing, @strong{Music} objects are created. During the interpretation, @strong{context} is constructed, and with this context af network of @strong{graphical objects} (``grobs'') is created. The grobs contain unknown variables, and the network forms a set of equations. After solving the equations and filling in these variables, the printed output (in the form of @strong{molecules}) is written to an output file. These threemanship of tasks (parsing, translating, typesetting) and data-structures (music, context, graphical objects) permeates the entire design of the program. This manual is ordered in terms of user tasks. With each concept will be explained to which of the three parts it belongs. @c . {Note entry} @node Note entry @section Note entry @cindex Note entry The most basic forms of music are notes. We discuss how you enter them here. Notes on their own don't form valid input, but for the sake of brevity we omit obligotary lint such as @code{\score} blocks and @code{\paper} declarations. @menu * Pitches:: * Defining pitch names:: * Durations:: * Notes:: * Easy Notation note heads :: * Tie:: * Rests:: * Skip:: * Note mode:: @end menu @c . {Pitches} @node Pitches @subsection Pitches @cindex Pitch names @cindex Note specification @cindex pitches @cindex entering notes The verbose syntax for pitch specification is @cindex @code{\pitch} @example \pitch @var{scmpitch} @end example @var{scmpitch} is a pitch scheme object, see @ref{Pitch data type}. In Note and Chord mode, pitches may be designated by names. The default names are the Dutch note names. The notes are specified by the letters @code{a} through @code{g} (where the octave is formed by notes ranging from @code{c}, to @code{b}). The pitch @code{c} is an octave below middle C and the letters span the octave above that C. @cindex note names, Dutch In Dutch, a sharp is formed by adding @code{-is} to the end of a pitch name. A flat is formed by adding @code{-es}. Double sharps and double flats are obtained by adding @code{-isis} or @code{-eses}. @code{aes} and @code{ees} are contracted to @code{as} and @code{es} in Dutch, but both forms are accepted. LilyPond has predefined sets of notenames for various other languages. To use them, simply include the language specific init file. For example: @code{\include "english.ly"}. The available language files and the names they define are: @example Note Names sharp flat nederlands.ly c d e f g a bes b -is -es english.ly c d e f g a bf b -s/-sharp -f/-flat deutsch.ly c d e f g a b h -is -es norsk.ly c d e f g a b h -iss/-is -ess/-es svenska.ly c d e f g a b h -iss -ess italiano.ly do re mi fa sol la sib si -d -b catalan.ly do re mi fa sol la sib si -d/-s -b @end example @cindex @code{'} @cindex @code{,} The optional octave specification takes the form of a series of single quote (`@code{'}') characters or a series of comma (`@code{,}') characters. Each @code{'} raises the pitch by one octave; each @code{,} lowers the pitch by an octave. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] c' c'' es' g' as' gisis' ais' @end lilypond @c . {Defining pitch names} @node Defining pitch names @subsection Defining pitch names @cindex defining pitch names @cindex pitch names, defining Note names and chord modifiers can be customised for nationalities. The syntax is as follows. @cindex @code{\pitchnames} @cindex @code{\chordmodifiers} @example \pitchnames @var{scheme-alist} \chordmodifiers @var{scheme-alist} @end example See @file{ly/nederlands.ly} and @file{ly/chord-modifiers.ly} for specific examples how to do this. @c . {Durations} @node Durations @subsection Durations @cindex duration @cindex @code{\duration} The syntax for a verbose duration specification is @example \duration @var{scmduration} @end example Here, @var{scmduration} is a Scheme object of type Duration. See @ref{Duration} for more information. In Note, Chord, and Lyrics mode, durations may be designated by numbers and dots: durations are entered as their reciprocal values. For notes longer than a whole note, use identifiers. @quotation @example c'\longa c'\breve c'1 c'2 c'4 c'8 c'16 c'32 c'64 c'64 r\longa r\breve r1 r2 r4 r8 r16 r32 r64 r64 @end example @lilypond[] \score { \notes \relative c'' { a\longa a\breve \autoBeamOff a1 a2 a4 a8 a16 a32 a64 a64 r\longa r\breve r1 r2 r4 r8 r16 r32 r64 r64 } \paper { \translator { \StaffContext \remove "Clef_engraver"; \remove "Staff_symbol_engraver"; \remove "Time_signature_engraver"; \consists "Pitch_squash_engraver"; } } } @end lilypond @end quotation As you can see, the longa is not printed. To get a longa note head, you have to use a mensural note heads. This is done accomplished by setting the @code{style} property of the NoteHead grob to @code{mensural}. If the duration is omitted then it is set to the previous duration entered. At the start of parsing a quarter note is assumed. The duration can be followed by a dot (`@code{.}') to obtain dotted note lengths. @cindex @code{.} @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] a'4. b'4.. c'8. @end lilypond @cindex @code{r} @cindex @code{s} You can alter the length of duration by appending `@code{*}@var{fraction}'. This will not affect the appearance of the notes or rests produced. @c . {Notes} @node Notes @subsection Notes A note specification has the form @example @var{pitch}[@var{octavespec}][!][?][@var{duration}] @end example LilyPond will determine what accidentals to typeset depending on the key and context. The alteration refers to what note is heard, not to whether an accidental is printed. A reminder accidental @cindex reminder accidental @cindex @code{?} can be forced by adding an exclamation mark @code{!} after the pitch. A cautionary accidental, @cindex cautionary accidental i.e., an accidental within parentheses can be obtained by adding the question mark `@code{?}' after the pitch. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] cis' d' e' cis' c'? d' e' c'! @end lilypond @node Easy Notation note heads @subsection Easy Notation note heads @cindex easy notation @cindex Hal Leonard A entirely different type of note head is the "easyplay" note head: a note head that includes a note name. It is used in some publications by Hal-Leonard Inc. music publishers. @lilypond[singleline,verbatim] \include "paper26.ly" \score { \notes { c'2 e'4 f' | g'1 } \paper { \translator { \EasyNotation } } } @end lilypond Note that @code{EasyNotation} overrides a @code{Score} context. You probably will want to print it with magnification to make it better readable. @cindex Xdvi @cindex ghostscript If you view the result with Xdvi, then staff lines will show through the letters. Printing the postscript file obtained either by using dvips or the @code{-f ps} option of lilypond will produce the desired result. @node Tie @subsection Tie @cindex Tie @cindex ties @cindex @code{~} A tie connects two adjacent note heads of the same pitch. When used with chords, it connects all of the note heads whose pitches match. Ties are indicated using the tilde symbol `@code{~}'. If you try to tie together chords which have no common pitches, a warning message will appear and no ties will be created. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] e' ~ e' ~ @end lilypond If you dislike the amount of ties created for a chord, you set @code{Thread.sparseTies} to true, resulting in a smaller number of ties: @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] \property Thread.sparseTies = ##t ~ @end lilypond In its meaning a tie is just a way of extending a note duration, similar to the augmentation dot: the following example are three ways of notating exactly the same concept. @lilypond[fragment, singleline] c'2 c'4 ~ c'4 @end lilypond At present, the tie is implemented as a separate thing, temporally located in between the notes. There is also no way to convert between tied notes, dotted notes and plain notes. @c . {Tuplets} @menu * Tuplets:: @end menu @node Tuplets @subsubsection Tuplets @cindex Tuplets @cindex Times Tuplets are made out of a music expression by multiplying their duration with a fraction. @cindex @code{\times} @example \times @var{fraction} @var{musicexpr} @end example The duration of @var{musicexpr} will be multiplied by the fraction. In print, the fraction's denominator will be printed over the notes, optionally with a bracket. The most common tuplet is the triplet in which 3 notes have the length of 2, so the notes are 2/3 of their written length: @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] g'4 \times 2/3 {c'4 c' c'} d'4 d'4 @end lilypond [todo: document tupletSpannerDuration] @c . {Rests} @node Rests @subsection Rests @cindex Rests Rests are entered like notes, with note name `@code{r}'. @c . {Skip} @node Skip @subsection Skip @cindex Skip @example \skip @var{duration} @code{;} s@var{duration} @end example @cindex @code{\skip} Skips the amount of time specified by @var{duration}. If no other music is played, a gap will be left for the skipped time with no notes printed. The short hand is only available in Note and Chord mode. @node Note mode @subsection Note mode @cindex note mode @cindex @code{\notes} Note mode is the lexical mode generally used for inputting notes. The syntax is @example \notes @var{expr} @end example This instructs the tokenizer to interpret @var{expr} in note mode. If a a sequence of alfabetical characters, like @code{foobar}, LilyPond first checks if @code{foobar} is a pitch name. If it is not a pitch name, then it is treated as a string. Numbers and dots indicate durations, so you can enter floating point numbers in this mode. @node Staff notation @section Staff notation @cindex Staff notation @menu * Key signature:: * Time signature:: * Bar lines:: @end menu @c . {Key} @node Key signature @subsection Key signature @cindex Key @cindex @code{\key} Changing the key signature is done with the @code{\key} command. @example @code{\key} @var{pitch} @var{type} @code{;} @end example @cindex @code{\minor} @cindex @code{\major} @cindex @code{\minor} @cindex @code{\ionian} @cindex @code{\locrian} @cindex @code{\aeolian} @cindex @code{\mixolydian} @cindex @code{\lydian} @cindex @code{\phrygian} @cindex @code{\dorian} Here, @var{type} should be @code{\major} or @code{\minor} to get @var{pitch}-major or @var{pitch}-minor, respectively. The second argument is optional; the default is major keys. The @var{\context} argument can also be given as an integer, which tells the number of semitones that should be added to the pitch given in the subsequent @code{\key} commands to get the corresponding major key, e.g., @code{\minor} is defined as 3. The standard mode names @code{\ionian}, @code{\locrian}, @code{\aeolian}, @code{\mixolydian}, @code{\lydian}, @code{\phrygian}, and @code{\dorian} are also defined. This command sets context property @code{Staff.keySignature}. @cindex @code{keySignature} @c . {Clef} @subsection Clef changes @cindex @code{\clef} @example \clef @var{clefname} @code{;} @end example Short-cut for @example \property Staff.clefGlyph = @var{glyph associated with clefname} \property Staff.clefPosition = @var{clef Y-position for clefname} \property Staff.clefOctavation = @var{extra pitch of clefname} @end example Supported clef-names include @itemize @bullet @item treble, violin, G, G2: G clef on 2nd line @item french: G clef on 1st line @item soprano: C clef on 1st line @item mezzosoprano: C clef on 2nd line @item alto: C clef on 3rd line @item tenor: C clef on 4th line @item baritone: C clef on 5th line @item varbaritone: F clef on 3rd line @item bass, F: F clef on 4th line @item subbass: F clef on 5th line @item percussion: percussion clef @end itemize Supported associated glyphs (for @code{Staff.clefGlyph}) are: @itemize @bullet @item clefs-C: modern style C clef @item clefs-F: modern style F clef @item clefs-G: modern style G clef @item clefs-vaticana_do: Editio Vaticana style do clef @item clefs-vaticana_fa: Editio Vaticana style fa clef @item clefs-medicaea_do: Editio Medicaea style do clef @item clefs-medicaea_fa: Editio Medicaea style fa clef @item clefs-mensural1_c: modern style mensural C clef @item clefs-mensural2_c: historic style small mensural C clef @item clefs-mensural3_c: historic style big mensural C clef @item clefs-mensural1_f: historic style traditional mensural F clef @item clefs-mensural2_f: historic style new mensural F clef @item clefs-mensural_g: historic style mensural G clef @item clefs-hufnagel_do: historic style hufnagel do clef @item clefs-hufnagel_fa: historic style hufnagel fa clef @item clefs-hufnagel_do_fa: historic style hufnagel combined do/fa clef @item clefs-percussion: modern style percussion clef @end itemize @emph{Modern style} means ``as is typeset in current editions.'' @emph{Historic style} means ``as was typeset or written in contemporary historic editions''. @emph{Editio XXX style} means ``as is/was printed in Editio XXX.'' @cindex Vaticana, Editio @cindex Medicaea, Editio @cindex hufnagel clefs @c . {Time signature} @node Time signature @subsection Time signature @cindex Time signature @cindex meter @cindex @code{\time} The time signature is changed by the @code{\time} command. Syntax: @example \time @var{numerator}@code{/}@var{denominator} @code{;} @end example Internally, this is a short-cut for doing @example \property Score.timeSignatureFraction = #'(@var{numerator} . @var{denominator}) @end example [TODO: discuss options for layout] @c . {Partial} @subsubsection Partial @cindex Partial @cindex anacrusis @cindex upstep @cindex partial measure @cindex measure, partial @cindex shorten measures @cindex @code{\partial} Partial measures are entered using the @code{\partial} command: @example \partial @var{duration} @code{;} @end example Internally, this is a short cut for @example \property Score.measurePosition = -@var{length of duration} @end example @cindex @code{|} @c . {Bar lines} @node Bar lines @subsection Bar lines @cindex Bar lines @cindex @code{\bar} @cindex measure lines @cindex repeat bars @example \bar @var{bartype}; @end example This is a short-cut for doing @example \property Score.whichBar = @var{bartype} @end example You are encouraged to use @code{\repeat} for repetitions. See @ref{Repeats}, and the documentation of @code{whichBar} in the generated documentation. @c . {Polyphony} @node Polyphony @section Polyphony @cindex Polyphony [TODO: collisions, rest-collisinos, voiceX identifiers, how to which contexts to instantiate.] @table @code @cindex @code{\shiftOff} @item @code{\shiftOff} Disable horizontal shifting of note heads that collide. @cindex @code{\shiftOn} @item @code{\shiftOn} Enable note heads that collide with other note heads to be shifted horiztonally. Also @code{\shiftOnn} and @code{\shiftOnnn} set different shift values. @cindex @code{\stemBoth} @item @code{\stemBoth} Allow stems and beams to point either upwards or downwards, decided automatically by LilyPond. @cindex @code{\stemDown} @item @code{\stemDown} Force stems and beams to point down. @cindex @code{\stemUp} @item @code{\stemUp} Force stems and beams to point up. @end table @cindex @code{\slurBoth} @cindex @code{\slurDown} @cindex @code{\slurUp} Similarly, for slurs use @code{\slurBoth}, @code{\slurDown}, @code{\slurUp}. @cindex @code{\slurBoth} @cindex @code{\slurDown} @cindex @code{\slurUp} Aand for ties use @code{\tieBoth}, @code{\tieDown}, @code{\tieUp}. @node Beaming @section Beaming Beams are used to group short notes into chunks that are aligned with the metrum. LilyPond guesses where beams should be inserted, but if you're not satisfied with the automatic beaming, you can either instruct lilypond which patterns to beam automatically. In specific cases, you can also specify explicitly what to beam and what not. @c . {Automatic beams} @subsection Automatic beams @cindex @code{Voice.autoBeamSettings} @cindex @code{(end * * * *)} @cindex @code{(begin * * * *)} A large number of Voice properties are used to decide how to generate beams. Their default values appear in @file{scm/auto-beam.scm}. By default, automatic beams can start on any note@footnote{In exotic time signatures such as 1/8 and 1/16 this is not true} but can only end in a few positions within the measure: they can end on a beat, or at durations specified by the properties in @code{Voice.autoBeamSettings}. The defaults for @code{autoBeamSettings} are defined in @file{scm/auto-beam.scm}. The syntax for changing the value @code{autoBeamSettings} is set using @code{\override} and unset using @code{\revert}: @example \property Voice.autoBeamSettings \override #'(@var{BE} @var{N} @var{M} @var{P} @var{Q}) = @var{dur} \property Voice.autoBeamSettings \revert #'(@var{BE} @var{N} @var{M} @var{P} @var{Q}) @end example Here, @var{BE} is the symbol @code{begin} or @code{end}. It determines whether the rule applies to begin or end-points. The quantity @var{N}/@var{M} refers to a time signature (@code{* *} may be entered to designate all time signatures), @var{P}/@var{Q} refers to the length of the beamed notes (@code{* *} designate notes of any length). If you want automatic beams to end on every quarter note, you can use the following: @example \property Voice.autoBeamSettings \override #'(end * * * *) = #(make-moment 1 4) @end example The duration a quarter note is 1/4 of a whole note. It is entered as @code{(make-moment 1 4)}. The same syntax can be used to specify beam starting points. In this example, you automatic beams can only end on a dotted quarter note. @example \property Voice.autoBeamSettings \override #'(begin * * * *) = #(make-moment 3 8) @end example In 4/4 time signature, this means that automatic beams could end only on 3/8 and on the fourth beat of the measure (after 3/4, that is 2 times 3/8 has passed within the measure). You can also restrict rules to specific time signatures. A rule that should only be applied in @var{N}/@var{M} time signature is formed by replacing the first asterisks by @var{N} and @var{M}. For example, a rule for 6/8 time exclusively looks like @example \property Voice.autoBeamSettings \override #'(begin 6 8 * *) = ... @end example If you want a rule to apply to certain types of beams, you can use the second pair of asterisks. Beams are classified according to the shortest note they contain. For a beam ending rule that only applies to beams with 32nd notes (and no shorter notes), you would use @code{(end * * 1 32)}. [say something about irregular meters. eg 5/8 = 2+3/8, 3+2/8] Automatic beams can not be put on the last note in a score. @cindex automatic beam generation @cindex autobeam @cindex @code{Voice.noAutoBeaming} Automatic beaming is on by default, but it can switched off by setting @code{Voice.noAutoBeaming} to true. You you may find this necessary for a melody that goes with lyrics. @c . {Manual beams} @cindex Automatic beams @subsubsection Manual beams @cindex beams, manual @cindex @code{]} @cindex @code{[} In some cases it may be necessary to override LilyPond's automatic beaming algorithm. For example, the auto beamer will not beam over rests or bar lines, so if you want that, specify the begin and end point manually using @code{[} and @code{]}: @quotation @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim] \context Staff { r4 [r8 g'' a r8] r8 [g | a] r8 } @end lilypond Whenever an manual beam is busy, the auto beam will not produce anything. @cindex @code{stemLeftBeamCount} If you have specific wishes for the number of beams, you can fully control the number of beams through the properties @code{Voice.stemLeftBeamCount} and @code{Voice.stemRightBeamCount}. @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim] \context Staff { [f'8 r16 f g a] [f8 r16 \property Voice.stemLeftBeamCount = #1 f g a] } @end lilypond @end quotation @cindex @code{stemRightBeamCount} [FIXME: explain common tweaks.] @node Expressive marks @section Expressive marks @c . {Slur} @menu * Slur :: * Phrasing slur:: * Breath marks:: @end menu @node Slur @subsection Slur @cindex slur A slur indicates that notes are to be played bound or @emph{legato}. In lilypond, they are entered using parentheses: @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] f'()g'()a' [a'8 b'(] a'4 g'2 )f'4 @end lilypond Slurs avoid crossing stems, and are attached to note heads whenever possible. In some instances involving beams slurs may be attached to a stem end. If you want to override this layout you can do this through @code{Voice.Slur}'s grob-property @code{attachment}: [TODO: remove this section] Maybe reinclude other slur features and move back to tricks? Esp. the second example, how to fix, can be very helpful. @quotation @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim] \property Voice.Slur \set #'direction = #1 \property Voice.Stem \set #'length = #5.5 g''8(g)g4 \property Voice.Slur \set #'attachment = #'(stem . stem) g8(g)g4 @end lilypond @end quotation If a slur would strike through a stem or beam, the slur will be moved away upward or downward. If this happens, attaching the slur to the stems might look better: @quotation @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim] \property Voice.Stem \set #'direction = #1 \property Voice.Slur \set #'direction = #1 d'32( d'4 )d8.. \property Voice.Slur \set #'attachment = #'(stem . stem) d,32( d'4 )d8.. @end lilypond @end quotation Similarly, the curvature of a slur is adjusted to stay clear of note heads and stems. When that would increase the curvature too much, the slur is reverted to its default shape. The threshold for this decision is in @code{Voice.Slur}'s grob-property @code{beautiful}. In some cases, you may prefer curved slurs to vertically moved ones. You can express this by increasing the @code{beautiful} value: [hoe gedefd?? wat betekent beautiful = X?] [dit voorbeeld is te lang: junken, of inkorten] @quotation @lilypond[verbatim] \score { \notes \context PianoStaff < \time 6/4; \context Staff=up { s1 * 6/4 } \context Staff=down < \clef bass; \autochange Staff \context Voice \notes \relative c { d,8( a' d f a d f d a f d )a } > > \paper { linewidth = -1.; \translator { \VoiceContext Slur \override #'beautiful = #5.0 Slur \override #'direction = #1 Stem \override #'direction = #-1 autoBeamSettings \override #'(end * * * *) = #(make-moment 1 2) } \translator { \PianoStaffContext VerticalAlignment \override #'threshold = #'(5 . 5) } } } @end lilypond @end quotation @cindex Adusting slurs @node Phrasing slur @subsection Phrasing slur @cindex phrasing slur @cindex phrasing mark A phrasing slur (or phrasing mark) connects chords and is used to indicate a musical sentence. It is entered using @code{\(} and @code{\)}. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center,relative] \time 6/4; c''\((d)e f(e)\)d @end lilypond Typographically, the phrasing slur behaves almost exactly like a normal slur. The grob associated with it is @code{Voice.PhrasingSlur}. @node Breath marks @subsection Breath marks Breath marks are entered using @code{\breathe}: @lilypond[fragment,relative] c'4 \breathe d4 @end lilypond Currently, only tick marks are supported, comma style breath marks are not. The grob for this object is called @code{Voice.BreathingSign}. @c . {Text spanner} @menu * Text spanner:: @end menu @node Text spanner @subsubsection Text spanner @cindex Text spanner Some textual indications, e.g. rallentando, accelerando, often extend over a many measures. This is indicated by following the text with a dotted line. You can create such texts in LilyPond using text spanners. The syntax is as follows: @example \spanrequest \start "text" \spanrequest \stop "text" @end example LilyPond will respond by creating a @code{Voice.TextSpanner} grob. The string to be printed, as well as the style is set through grob properties. An application ---or rather, a hack---is to fake octavation indications. @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim] \relative c' { a'''' b c a \property Voice.TextSpanner \set #'type = #'dotted-line \property Voice.TextSpanner \set #'edge-height = #'(0 . 1.5) \property Voice.TextSpanner \set #'edge-text = #'("8va " . "") \property Staff.centralCPosition = #-13 a\spanrequest \start "text" b c a \spanrequest \stop "text" } @end lilypond @c . {Ornaments} @node Ornaments @section Ornaments @cindex Ornaments @menu * Articulation:: * Text scripts:: * Grace notes:: @end menu @c . {Articulation} @node Articulation @subsection Articulation @cindex Articulation @cindex articulations @cindex scripts @cindex ornaments A variety of symbols can appear above and below notes to indicate different characteristics of the performance. These symbols can be added to a note with `@var{note}@code{-\}@var{name}'. Numerous symbols are defined in @file{script.ly} and @file{script.scm}. Symbols can be forced to appear above or below the note by writing `@var{note}@code{^\}@var{name}' and `@var{note}@code{_\}@var{name}' respectively. Here is a chart showing symbols above notes, with the name of the corresponding symbol appearing underneath. @lilypond[] \score { < \notes { \property Score.LyricSyllable \override #'font-family = #'typewriter \property Score.LyricSyllable \override #'font-shape = #'upright c''-\accent c''-\marcato c''-\staccatissimo c''-\fermata c''-\stopped c''-\staccato c''-\tenuto c''-\upbow c''-\downbow c''^\lheel c''-\rheel c''^\ltoe c''-\rtoe c''-\turn c''-\open c''-\flageolet c''-\reverseturn c''-\trill c''-\prall c''-\mordent c''-\prallprall c''-\prallmordent c''-\upprall c''-\downprall c''-\thumb c''-\segno c''-\coda } \context Lyrics \lyrics { accent__ marcato__ staccatissimo__ fermata stopped__ staccato__ tenuto__ upbow downbow__ lheel__ rheel__ ltoe rtoe__ turn__ open__ flageolet reverseturn__ trill__ prall__ mordent prallprall__ prallmordent__ uprall__ downprall thumb__ segno__ coda } > \paper { linewidth = 5.875\in; indent = 0.0; } } @end lilypond All of these note ornaments appear in the printed output but have no effect on the MIDI rendering of the music. To save typing work, some shorthands are available: @lilypond[singleline] \score { \notes \context Voice { \property Voice.TextScript \set #'font-family = #'typewriter \property Voice.TextScript \set #'font-shape = #'upright c''4-._"c-." s4 c''4--_"c-{}-" s4 c''4-+_"c-+" s4 c''4-|_"c-|" s4 c''4->_"c->" s4 c''4-^_"c-\\^{ }" s4 } } @end lilypond @cindex fingering Fingering instructions can also be entered in this shorthand. @lilypond[verbatim, singleline, fragment] c'4-1 c'4-2 c'4-3 c'4-4 @end lilypond Unfortunately, there is no support adding fingering instructions to individual note heads. Some hacks exist, though. See @file{input/test/script-horizontal.ly}. @cindex @code{\script} @cindex scripts @cindex superscript @cindex subscript @example \script @var{alias} @end example Defines a script printing request. The argument is a string which points into the script-alias table defined in @file{scm/script.scm}. Usually the @code{\script} keyword is not used directly. Various helpful identifier definitions appear in @file{script.ly}. For information on how to add scripts, consult @file{scm/script.scm}. @c . {Text scripts} @node Text scripts @subsection Text scripts @cindex Text scripts In addition, it is possible to place arbitrary strings of text or markup text (see @ref{Text markup}) above or below notes by using a string: @code{c^"text"}. The text is typeset in italic by default. The amount of space taken by these indications by default does not influence, spacing, but setting @code{Voice.textNonEmpty} to true will take the widths into account. The identifier @code{\fattext} is defined in the standard includes. @lilypond[fragment,singleline] \relative c' { c4^"longtext" \fatText c4_"longlongtext" c4 } @end lilypond Text scripts are created in form of @code{Voice.TextScript} grobs. For purposes of defining identifiers, a more verbose form also exists: @example \textscript @var{text} @end example Defines a text to be printed over or under a note. @var{text} is a string or a markup text. @quotation @example foo = \textscript #'(finger "6") @dots{} c4-\foo @end example @end quotation This is equivalent to @code{c4-6 c4-"foo"}. @c . {Grace notes} @node Grace notes @subsection Grace notes @cindex Grace music @cindex @code{\grace} @cindex ornaments @cindex grace notes @cindex @code{graceAlignPosition} Grace notes are ornaments that are written out, but do not take up any logical time in a measure. LilyPond has limited support for grace notes. The syntax is as follows. @example \grace @var{musicexpr} @end example When grace music is interpreted, a score-within-a-score is set up: @var{musicexpr} has its own time bookkeeping, and you could (for example) have a separate time signature within grace notes. While in this score-within-a-score, you can create notes, beams, slurs, etc. Unbeamed eighth notes and shorter by default have a slash through the stem. This behavior can be controlled with the @code{Stem}.@code{flag-style} property. @quotation @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] \relative c'' { \grace c8 c4 \grace { [c16 c16] } c4 \grace { \property Grace.Stem \override #'flag-style = ##f c16 } c4 } @end lilypond @end quotation At present, nesting @code{\grace} notes is not supported. The following may cause run-time errors: @example @code{\grace @{ \grace c32 c16 @} c4} @end example Since the meaning of such a construct is unclear, we don't consider this a loss. Similarly, juxtaposing two @code{\grace} sections is syntactically valid, but makes no sense and may cause runtime errors. Ending a staff or score with grace notes may also generate a run-time error, since there will be no main note to attach the grace notes to. A grace note expression has duration 0; the next real note is assumed to be the main note. If you want the note to appear after the main note, set @code{Voice.graceAlignPosition} to @code{1}. The present implementation of grace notes is not robust and generally kludgy. We expect it to change after LilyPond 1.4. Syntax changes might also be implemented. @menu * Glissando :: * Dynamics:: @end menu @c . {Glissando} @node Glissando @subsubsection Glissando @cindex Glissando @cindex @code{\glissando} A glissando line can be requested by attaching a @code{\glissando} to a note: @quotation @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim] c'' \glissando c' @end lilypond @end quotation Printing of an additional text (such as @emph{gliss.}) must be done manually. @c . {Dynamics} @node Dynamics @subsubsection Dynamics @cindex Dynamics @cindex @code{\ppp} @cindex @code{\pp} @cindex @code{\p} @cindex @code{\mp} @cindex @code{\mf} @cindex @code{\f} @cindex @code{\ff} @cindex @code{\fff} @cindex @code{\ffff} @cindex @code{\fp} @cindex @code{\sf} @cindex @code{\sff} @cindex @code{\sp} @cindex @code{\spp} @cindex @code{\sfz} @cindex @code{\rfz} Absolute dynamic marks are specified by using an identifier after a note: @code{c4-\ff}. The available dynamic marks are: @code{\ppp}, @code{\pp}, @code{\p}, @code{\mp}, @code{\mf}, @code{\f}, @code{\ff}, @code{\fff}, @code{\fff}, @code{\fp}, @code{\sf}, @code{\sff}, @code{\sp}, @code{\spp}, @code{\sfz}, and @code{\rfz}. @cindex Crescendo and Decrescendo @cindex crescendo @cindex @code{\cr} @cindex @code{\rc} @cindex @code{\decr} @cindex @code{\rced} @cindex @code{\<} @cindex @code{\>} @cindex @code{\"!} A crescendo mark is started with @code{\cr} and terminated with @code{\rc} (the textual reverse of @code{cr}). A decrescendo mark is started with @code{\decr} and terminated with @code{\rced}. There are also shorthands for these marks. A crescendo can be started with @code{\<} and a decrescendo can be started with @code{\>}. Either one can be terminated with @code{\!}. Note that @code{\!} must go before the last note of the dynamic mark whereas @code{\rc} and @code{\rced} go after the last note. Because these marks are bound to notes, if you want to get several marks during one note, you must use spacer notes. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] c'' \< \! c'' d'' \decr e'' \rced < f''1 { s4 \< \! s2 \> \! s4 } > @end lilypond [BUG in \> ! ] You can also use a text saying @emph{cresc.} instead of hairpins. Here is an example how to do it: @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim] \context Voice { \property Voice.crescendoText = "cresc." \property Voice.crescendoSpanner = #'dashed-line a''2\mf\< a a \!a } @end lilypond @c . {Repeats} @node Repeats @section Repeats @cindex repeats @cindex @code{\repeat} To specify repeats, use the @code{\repeat} keyword. Since repeats should work differently when played or printed, there are a few different variants of repeats. @table @asis @item unfolded Repeated music is fully written (played) out. Useful for MIDI output. @item volta This is the normal notation: Repeats are not written out, but alternative endings (voltas) are printed, left to right. @item folded Alternative endings are written stacked. Which is unfortunately not practical for anything right now. @item tremolo Make tremolo beams. @item percent Make measure repeats. These look like percent signs. @end table @menu * Repeat syntax:: * Manual repeat commands:: * Tremolo repeats:: * Tremolo subdivision:: * Measure repeats:: @end menu @node Repeat syntax @subsection Repeat syntax The syntax for repeats is @example \repeat @var{variant} @var{repeatcount} @var{repeatbody} @end example If you have alternative endings, you may add @cindex @code{\alternative} @example \alternative @code{@{} @var{alternative1} @var{alternative2} @var{alternative3} @dots{} @code{@}} @end example where each @var{alternative} is a music expression. Normal notation repeats are used like this: @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] c'1 \repeat volta 2 { c'4 d' e' f' } \repeat volta 2 { f' e' d' c' } @end lilypond With alternative endings: @quotation @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] c'1 \repeat volta 2 {c'4 d' e' f'} \alternative { {d'2 d'} {f' f} } @end lilypond @end quotation Folded repeats look like this:@footnote{Folded repeats offer little more over simultaneous music. However, it is to be expected that more functionality -- especially for the MIDI backend -- will be implemented at some point in the future.} @quotation @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] c'1 \repeat fold 2 {c'4 d' e' f'} \alternative { {d'2 d'} {f' f} } @end lilypond @end quotation If you don't give enough alternatives for all of the repeats, then the first alternative is assumed to be repeated often enough to equal the specified number of repeats. @quotation @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] \context Staff { \relative c' { \partial 4; \repeat volta 3 { e | c2 d2 | e2 f2 | } \alternative { { g4 g g } { a | a a a a | b2. } } } } @end lilypond @end quotation As you can see, LilyPond doesn't remember the timing information, nor are slurs or ties repeated, so you have to reset timing information after a repeat, e.g. using a bar-check (See @ref{Bar check}), @code{Score.measurePosition} or @code{\partial}. We hope to fix this after 1.4. It is possible to nest @code{\repeat}, although it probably is only meaningful for unfolded repeats. @node Manual repeat commands @subsection Manual repeat commands @cindex @code{repeatCommands} The property @code{repeatCommands} can be used to control the layout of repeats. Its value is a Scheme list of repeat commands, where each repeat command can be @table @code @item 'start-repeat Print a |: bar line @item 'stop-repeat Print a :| bar line @item (volta . @var{text}) Print a volta bracket saying @var{text}. @item (volta . #f) Stop a running volta bracket @end table @lilypond[verbatim, fragment] c''4 \property Score.repeatCommands = #'((volta "93") end-repeat) c4 c4 \property Score.repeatCommands = #'((volta #f)) c4 c4 @end lilypond [explain precendence: \bar, repeatCommands, whichBar, defaultBarType] @node Tremolo repeats @subsection Tremolo repeats @cindex tremolo beams To place tremolo marks between notes, use @code{\repeat} with tremolo style. @lilypond[verbatim,center,singleline] \score { \context Voice \notes\relative c' { \repeat "tremolo" 8 { c16 d16 } \repeat "tremolo" 4 { c16 d16 } \repeat "tremolo" 2 { c16 d16 } \repeat "tremolo" 4 c16 } } @end lilypond At present, the spacing between tremolo beams is not regular, since the spacing engine does not notice that not all notes are printed. @node Tremolo subdivision @subsection Tremolo subdivision @cindex tremolo marks @cindex @code{tremoloFlags} Tremolo marks can be printed on a single note by adding `@code{:}[@var{length}]' after the note. The length must be at least 8. A @var{length} value of 8 gives one line across the note stem. If the length is omitted, then then the last value (stored in @code{Voice.tremoloFlags}) is used. @lilypond[verbatim,fragment,center] c'2:8 c':32 @end lilypond Using this mechanism pays off when you entering many tremolos, since the default argument saves a lot of typing. Tremolos in this style do not carry over into the MIDI output. @node Measure repeats @subsection Measure repeats @cindex percent repeats @cindex measure repeats In the @code{percent} style, a note pattern can be repeated. It is printed once, and then the pattern is replaced with a special sign. @lilypond[verbatim,singleline] \context Voice { \repeat "percent" 5 { c'1 } } @end lilypond At present, only repeats of whole measures are supported. @c . {Piano music} @node Piano music @section Piano music Piano music is an odd type of notation: two staffs are largely independent, but sometimes voices can cross between the two staffs. The @code{PianoStaff} is especially built to handle this cross-staffing behavior. In this section we discuss the @code{PianoStaff} and some other pianistic peculiarities. @menu * Automatic staff changes:: * Manual staff switches:: * Pedals:: * Arpeggio:: * Follow Thread:: @end menu @c . {Automatic staff changes} @node Automatic staff changes @subsection Automatic staff changes @cindex Automatic staff changes Voices can be switched from top to bottom staff automatically. The syntax for this is @example \autochange @var{contexttype} @var{musicexp} @end example This will switch notation context of @var{musicexp} between a @var{contexttype} named @code{up} and @code{down}. Typically, you use @code{Staff} for @var{contexttype}. The autochanger switches on basis of pitch (central C is the turning point), and it looks ahead skipping over rests to switch rests in advance. @lilypond[verbatim,singleline] \score { \notes \context PianoStaff < \context Staff = "up" { \autochange Staff \context Voice = VA < \relative c' { g4 a b c d r4 a g } > } \context Staff = "down" { \clef bass; s1*2 } > } @end lilypond Note how spacer rests are used to prevent the bottom staff from terminating too soon. @node Manual staff switches @subsection Manual staff switches @cindex manual staff switches @cindex staff switch, manual Voices can be switched between staffs manually, using the following command: @example \translator Staff = @var{which} @var{music} @end example The string @var{which} is the name of the staff. Typically it is @code{"up"} or @code{"down"}. Formally, this construct is a music expression indicating that the context which is a direct child of the a context of type @var{contexttype} should be shifted to a context of type @var{contexttype} and the specified name. @cindex @code{\translator} @example \translator @var{contexttype} = @var{name} @end example @c . {Pedals} @node Pedals @subsection Pedals @cindex Pedals Piano pedals can be entered using the span requests (See @ref{Span requests}) of the types @code{Sustain}, @code{UnaChorda} and @code{Sostenuto}: @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] c''4 \spanrequest \start "Sustain" c4 c4 \spanrequest \stop "Sustain" @end lilypond For these verbose expressions, standard shorthands have been defined: @code{sustainDown}, @code{sustainUp}, @code{unaChorda}, @code{treChorde}, @code{sostenutoDown} and @code{sostenutoUp}. The symbols that are printed can be modified by setting @code{pedal@var{X}Strings}, where @var{X} is one of the pedal types. Refer to the generated documentation for more information. Currently, brackets are not supported, only text markings (ie. *Ped style). @c . {Arpeggio} @node Arpeggio @subsection Arpeggio @cindex Arpeggio @cindex broken arpeggio @cindex @code{\arpeggio} You can specify an arpeggio sign on a chord by attaching an @code{\arpeggio} to a note of the chord. @quotation @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim] \context Voice @end lilypond @end quotation When an arpeggio crosses staffs in piano music, you attach an arpeggio to the chords in both staffs, and set @code{PianoStaff.connectArpeggios}. @quotation @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim] \context PianoStaff < \property PianoStaff.connectArpeggios = ##t \context Voice = one { } \context Voice = other { \clef bass; } > @end lilypond @end quotation This command creates @code{Arpeggio} grobs. It is not possible to mix connected arpeggios and unconnected arpeggios at the same time. @c . {Follow Thread} @node Follow Thread @subsection Follow Thread @cindex follow thread @cindex staff switching @cindex cross staff [todo: different name, eg. voice line ? ] @cindex @code{followThread} Whenever a voice switches to another staff a line connecting the notes can be printed automatically. This is enabled if the property @code{PianoStaff.followThread} is set to true: @quotation @lilypond[fragment,relative,verbatim] \context PianoStaff < \property PianoStaff.followThread = ##t \context Staff \context Voice { c'1 \translator Staff=two b2 a } \context Staff=two {\clef bass; \skip 1*2;} > @end lilypond @end quotation @c . {Lyrics} @node Lyrics @section Lyrics @menu * Lyrics mode:: * Printing lyrics:: * Automatic syllable durations:: * More stanzas:: @end menu @c . {Lyrics mode} @node Lyrics mode @subsection Lyrics mode @cindex Lyrics mode @cindex lyric mode @cindex @code{\lyrics} Lyrics mode is introduced by the keyword @code{\lyrics}. This mode has rules that make it easy to include punctuation and diacritical marks in words: The purpose of Lyrics mode is that you can enter lyrics in @TeX{} format or a standard encoding without needing quotes. The precise definition of this mode is ludicrous, and this will remain so until the authors of LilyPond acquire a deeper understanding of character encoding, or someone else steps up to fix this. A word in Lyrics mode begins with: an alphabetic character, @code{_}, @code{?}, @code{!}, @code{:}, @code{'}, the control characters @code{^A} through @code{^F}, @code{^Q} through @code{^W}, @code{^Y}, @code{^^}, any 8-bit character with ASCII code over 127, or a two-character combination of a backslash followed by one of @code{`}, @code{'}, @code{"}, or @code{^}. Subsequent characters of a word can be any character that is not a digit and not white space. One important consequence of this is that a word can end with `@code{@}}', which may be confusing. However, LilyPond will issue a warning. Any @code{_} character which appears in an unquoted word is converted to a space. This provides a mechanism for introducing spaces into words without using quotes. Quoted words can also be used in Lyrics mode to specify words that cannot be written with the above rules. Here are some examples. Not all of these words are printable by @TeX{}. @example Ah! % a word 2B_||_!2B % not a word because it starts with a digit ``Hello'' % not a word because it starts with ` _ _ _ _ % 4 words, each one a space @end example Since combinations of numbers and dots are used for indicating durations, you can not enter real numbers in this mode. @cindex lyrics expressions Syllables are entered like notes, with pitches replaced by text. For example, @code{Twin-4 kle4 twin-4 kle4} enters four syllables, each with quarter note duration. Note that the hyphen has no special meaning for lyrics, and does not introduce special symbols. See @ref{Lexical modes} for a description of what is interpreted as lyrics. Spaces can be introduced into a lyric either by using quotes (@code{"}) or by using an underscore without quotes: @code{He_could4 not4}. All unquoted underscores are converted to spaces. Printing lyrics is discussed in the next section. @c . {Printing lyrics} @node Printing lyrics @subsection Printing lyrics @cindex lyrics Lyric syllables must be interpreted within a @code{Lyrics} context for printing them. Here is a full example: @quotation @lilypond[verbatim] \score { < \notes \transpose c'' { c d e c | c d e c | e f g2 | e4 f g2 \bar "|."; } \context Lyrics \lyrics { Va-4 der Ja- cob Va- der Ja- cob Slaapt gij nog?2 Slaapt4 gij nog?2 } > } @end lilypond @end quotation @cindex extender @cindex lyric extender You may want a continuous line after the syllables to show melismata. To achieve this effect, add a @code{__} lyric as a separate word after the lyric to be extended. This will create an extender, a line that extends over the entire duration of the lyric. This line will run all the way to the start of the next lyric, so you may want to shorten it by using a blank lyric (using @code{_}). @quotation @lilypond[verbatim] \score { < \notes \relative c'' { a4 () b () c () d | c () d () b () a | c () d () b () a } \context Lyrics \lyrics { foo1 __ | bar2. __ _4 | baz1 __ } > } @end lilypond @end quotation @cindex Lyric hyphen If you want to have hyphens centered between syllables (rather than attached to the end of the first syllable) you can use the special `@code{-}@code{-}' lyric as a separate word between syllables. This will result in a hyphen which length varies depending on the space between syllables, and which will be centered between the syllables. For example: @quotation @lilypond[verbatim] \score { < \notes \transpose c'' { c d e c | c d e c | e f g2 | e4 f g2 \bar "|."; } \context Lyrics \lyrics { Va4 -- der Ja -- cob | Va -- der Ja -- cob | Slaapt gij nog?2 | Slaapt4 gij nog?2 } > } @end lilypond @end quotation @c . {Automatic syllable durations} @node Automatic syllable durations @subsection Automatic syllable durations @cindex Automatic syllable durations @cindex automatic lyric durations @cindex @code{\addlyrics} If you have lyrics that are set to a melody, you can import the rhythm of that melody into the lyrics using @code{\addlyrics}. The syntax for this is @example \addlyrics @var{musicexpr1 musicexpr2} @end example This means that both @var{musicexpr1} and @var{musicexpr2} are interpreted, but that every non-command atomic music expression (``every syllable'') in @var{musicexpr2} is interpreted using timing of @var{musicexpr1}. @cindex @code{automaticMelismata} If the property @code{automaticMelismata} is set in the context of @var{musicexpr1}, no lyrics will be put on slurred or tied notes. @quotation @lilypond[verbatim,fragment] \addlyrics \transpose c'' { \property Voice.automaticMelismata = ##t c8 () cis d8. e16 f2 } \context Lyrics \lyrics { do4 re mi fa } @end lilypond @end quotation You should use a single rhythm melody, and single rhythm lyrics (a constant duration is the obvious choice). If you do not, you will get undesired effects when using multiple stanzas: @quotation @lilypond[verbatim,fragment] \addlyrics \transpose c'' { c8 () cis d8. e16 f2 } \context Lyrics \lyrics < { do4 re mi fa } { do8 re mi fa } > @end lilypond @end quotation It is valid (but probably not very useful) to use notes instead of lyrics for @var{musicexpr2}. @node More stanzas @subsection More stanzas @cindex phrasing If you have multiple stanzas printed underneath each other, the separate syllables should be aligned around punctuation. LilyPond can do this if you explain it which lyric lines belong to which melody. To this end, give the Voice context an identity, and set the LyricsVoice to name starting with that identity. In the following example, the Voice identity is @code{duet}, and the identities of the LyricsVoices are @code{duet-1} and @code{duet-2}. @lilypond[singleline,verbatim] \score { \addlyrics \notes \relative c'' \context Voice = duet { \time 3/4; g2 e4 a2 f4 g2. } \lyrics \context Lyrics < \context LyricsVoice = "duet-1" { \property LyricsVoice . stanza = "Bert" Hi, my name is bert. } \context LyricsVoice = "duet-2" { \property LyricsVoice . stanza = "Ernie" Ooooo, ch\'e -- ri, je t'aime. } > } @end lilypond You can add stanza numbers by setting @code{LyricsVoice.Stanza} (for the first system) and @code{LyricsVoice.stz} for the following systems. @cindex stanza numbering @c . {Chords} @node Chords @section Chords @cindex Chords [chords vs. simultaneous music] @menu * Chords mode:: * Entering named chords:: * Printing named chords:: @end menu @c . {Chords mode} @node Chords mode @subsection Chords mode @cindex Chords mode Chord mode is introduced by the keyword @code{\chords}. It is similar to Note mode, but words are also looked up in a chord modifier table (containing @code{maj}, @code{dim}, etc). Since combinations of numbers and dots are used for indicating durations, you can not enter real numbers in this mode. Dashes and carets are used to indicate chord additions and subtractions, so scripts can not be entered in Chord mode. @c . {Entering named chords} @node Entering named chords @subsection Entering named chords @cindex Chords names Chord names are a way to generate simultaneous music expressions that correspond with traditional chord names. It can only be used in Chord mode (see @ref{Lexical modes}). @example @var{tonic}[@var{duration}][@code{-}@var{modifiers}][@code{^}@var{subtractions}][@code{/}@var{inversion}][@code{/+}@var{bass}]. @end example @var{tonic} should be the tonic note of the chord, and @var{duration} is the chord duration in the usual notation. There are two kinds of modifiers. One type is @emph{chord additions}, which are obtained by listing intervals separated by dots. An interval is written by its number with an optional @code{+} or @code{-} to indicate raising or lowering by half a step. Chord additions has two effects: It adds the specified interval and all lower odd numbered intervals to the chord, and it may lower or raise the specified interval. Intervals must be separated by a dot (@code{.}). Throughout these examples, chords have been shifted around the staff using @code{\transpose}. @quotation @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] \transpose c'' { \chords { c1 c:3- c:7 c:8 c:9 c:9-.5+.7+ c:3-.5- c:4.6.8 } } @end lilypond @end quotation @cindex @code{aug} @cindex @code{dim} @cindex @code{maj} @cindex @code{sus} The second type of modifier that may appear after the @code{:} is a named modifier. Named modifiers are listed in the file @file{chord-modifiers.ly}. The available modifiers are @code{m} and @code{min} which lower the 3rd half a step, `@code{aug}' which raises the 5th, `@code{dim}' which lowers the 5th, `@code{maj}' which adds a raised 7th, and `@code{sus}' which replaces the 5th with a 4th. @quotation @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] \transpose c'' { \chords { c1:m c:min7 c:maj c:aug c:dim c:sus } } @end lilypond @end quotation Chord subtractions are used to eliminate notes from a chord. The notes to be subtracted are listed after a @code{^} character, separated by dots. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] \transpose c'' { \chords { c1^3 c:7^5.3 c:8^7 } } @end lilypond @cindex @code{/} Chord inversions can be specified by appending `@code{/}' and the name of a single note to a chord. This has the effect of lowering the specified note by an octave so it becomes the lowest note in the chord. If the specified note is not in the chord, a warning will be printed. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] \transpose c''' { \chords { c1 c/e c/g c:7/e } } @end lilypond @cindex @code{/+} Bass notes can be added by `@code{/+}' and the name of a single note to a chord. This has the effect of adding the specified note to the chord, lowered by an octave, so it becomes the lowest note in the chord. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] \transpose c''' { \chords { c1 c/+c c/+g c:7/+b } } @end lilypond The most interesting application is printing chord names, which is explained in the next subsection. You should not combine @code{\relative} with named chords. [FIXME] @c . {Printing named chords} @node Printing named chords @subsection Printing named chords @cindex printing chord names @cindex chord names @cindex chords @cindex @code{ChordNames} @cindex @code{ChordNameVoice} For displaying printed chord names, use the @code{ChordNames} and @code{ChordNameVoice} contexts. The chords may be entered either using the notation described above, or directly using simultaneous music. @quotation @lilypond[verbatim,singleline] scheme = \notes { \chords {a1 b c} } \score { \notes< \context ChordNamesVoice \scheme \context Staff \transpose c'' \scheme > } @end lilypond @end quotation You can make the chord changes stand out more by setting property @code{ChordNames.chordChanges} to true. This will only display chord names when there's a change in the chords scheme, but always display the chord name after a line break: @c bug @quotation @lilypond[verbatim] scheme = \chords { c1:m \break c:m c:m c:m d } \score { \notes < \context ChordNames \scheme \context Staff \transpose c'' \scheme > \paper{ linewidth = 40 * \staffspace; \translator { \ChordNamesContext chordChanges = ##t } } } @end lilypond @end quotation LilyPond examines chords specified as lists of notes to determine a name to give the chord. LilyPond will not try to identify chord inversions or added base, which may result in strange chord names when chords are entered as a list of pitches: @quotation @lilypond[verbatim,center,singleline] scheme = \notes { } \score { < \context ChordNamesVoice \scheme \context Staff \scheme > } @end lilypond @end quotation To specify chord inversions, append @code{/}. To specify an added bass note, append @code{/+ } @end lilypond @end quotation The chord names that LilyPond should print are fully customizable. The code to print chord names is written in Scheme. It can be found in @file{scm/chord-name.scm}. Chord names are based on Banter style naming, which is unambiguous and has a logical structure. Typical American style chord names are implemented as a variation on Banter names, they can be selected by setting property @code{ChordName.style} to @code{american}: @quotation @lilypond[verbatim] \include "english.ly" scheme = \chords { c % Major triad cs:m % Minor triad df:m5- % Diminished triad c:5^3 % Root-fifth chord c:4^3 % Suspended fourth triad c:5+ % Augmented triad c:2^3 % "2" chord c:m5-.7- % Diminished seventh c:7+ % Major seventh c:7.4^3 % Dominant seventh suspended fourth c:5+.7 % Augmented dominant seventh c:m5-.7 % "Half" diminished seventh c:5-.7 % Dominant seventh flat fifth c:5-.7+ % Major seventh flat fifth c:m7+ % Minor-major seventh c:m7 % Minor seventh c:7 % Dominant seventh c:6 % Major sixth c:m6 % Minor sixth c:9^7 % Major triad w/added ninth c:6.9^7 % Six/Nine chord c:9 % Dominant ninth c:7+.9 % Major ninth c:m7.9 % Minor ninth } \score { \notes < \context ChordNames \scheme \context Staff \transpose c'' \scheme > \paper { \translator { \ChordNamesContext ChordName \override #'word-space = #1 ChordName \override #'style = #'american } } } @end lilypond @end quotation Similarly, Jazz style chord names are implemented as a variation on American style names: @quotation @lilypond[verbatim] scheme = \chords { % major chords c c:6 % 6 = major triad with added sixth c:maj % triangle = maj c:6.9^7 % 6/9 c:9^7 % add9 % minor chords c:m % m = minor triad c:m.6 % m6 = minor triad with added sixth c:m.7+ % m triangle = minor major seventh chord c:3-.6.9^7 % m6/9 c:m.7 % m7 c:3-.9 % m9 c:3-.9^7 % madd9 % dominant chords c:7 % 7 = dominant c:7.5+ % +7 = augmented dominant c:7.5- % 7b5 = hard diminished dominant c:9 % 7(9) c:9- % 7(b9) c:9+ % 7(#9) c:13^9.11 % 7(13) c:13-^9.11 % 7(b13) c:13^11 % 7(9,13) c:13.9-^11 % 7(b9,13) c:13.9+^11 % 7(#9,13) c:13-^11 % 7(9,b13) c:13-.9-^11 % 7(b9,b13) c:13-.9+^11 % 7(#9,b13) % half diminished chords c:m5-.7 % slashed o = m7b5 c:9.3-.5- % o/7(pure 9) % diminished chords c:m5-.7- % o = diminished seventh chord } \score { \notes < \context ChordNames \scheme \context Staff \transpose c'' \scheme > \paper { \translator { \ChordNamesContext ChordName \override #'word-space = #1 ChordName \override #'style = #'jazz } } } @end lilypond @end quotation @node Writing parts @section Writing parts @c . {Transpose} @menu * Rehearsal marks:: * Instrument names:: * Transpose:: * Sound output for transposing instruments:: * Multi measure rests:: * Automatic part combining:: @end menu @c . {Rehearsal marks} @node Rehearsal marks @subsection Rehearsal marks @cindex Rehearsal marks @cindex mark @cindex @code{\mark} @cindex @code{Mark_engraver} @example \mark @var{unsigned}; \mark @var{string}; \mark ; @end example With this command, you can print a rehearsal mark above the system. You can provide a number, a string or a markup text as argument. If there is no argument, the property @code{rehearsalMark} is used and automatically incremented. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] \relative c'' { c1 \mark "A2"; c1 \mark ; c1 \mark ; c1 \mark "12"; c1 \mark #'(music "scripts-segno") ; c1 } @end lilypond @node Instrument names @subsection Instrument names You can specify an instrument name for a staff by setting @code{Staff.instrument} and @code{Staff.instr}. This will print a string before the start of the staff. For the first start, @code{instrument} is used, for the next ones @code{instr} is used. @lilypond[verbatim,singleline] \score { \notes { \property Staff.instrument = "instr " { c''4 } } \paper { \translator { \StaffContext \consists "Instrument_name_engraver"; } } } @end lilypond This requires that you add the @code{Instrument_name_engraver} to the staff context. @node Transpose @subsection Transpose @cindex Transpose @cindex transposition of pitches @cindex @code{\transpose} A music expression can be transposed with @code{\transpose}. The syntax is @example \transpose @var{pitch} @var{musicexpr} @end example This means that middle C in @var{musicexpr} is transposed to @var{pitch}. @code{\transpose} distinguishes between enharmonic pitches: both @code{\transpose cis'} or @code{\transpose des'} will transpose up half a tone. The first version will print sharps and the second version will print flats. @quotation @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] \context Staff { \clef "F"; { \key e \major; c d e f } \clef "G"; \transpose des'' { \key e \major; c d e f } \transpose cis'' { \key e \major; c d e f } } @end lilypond @end quotation If you want to use both @code{\transpose} and @code{\relative}, then you must use @code{\transpose} first. @code{\relative} will have no effect music that appears inside a @code{\transpose}. @node Sound output for transposing instruments @subsection Sound output transposing instruments When you want to play a score containing transposed and untransposed instruments, you have to instruct LilyPond the pitch offset (in semitones) for the transposed instruments. This is done using @code{transposing}. @cindex @code{transposing} @example \property Staff.instrument = #"Cl. in B-flat" \property Staff.transposing = #-2 @end example @c . {Multi measure rests} @node Multi measure rests @subsection Multi measure rests @cindex Multi measure rests @cindex @code{R} Multi measure rests are entered using `@code{R}'. It is specifically meant for entering parts: the rest can expand to fill a score with rests, or it can be printed as a single multimeasure rest This expansion is controlled by the property @code{Score.skipBars}. If this is set to true, Lily will not expand empty measures, and the appropriate number is added automatically. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim] \time 3/4; R2.*2 \property Score.skipBars = ##t R2.*17 R2.*4 @end lilypond Currently, there is no way to condense multiple rests into a single multimeasure rest. @cindex condensing rests @node Automatic part combining @subsection Automatic part combining @cindex automatic part combining @cindex part combiner Automatic part combining is used to merge two parts of music onto on staff in an intelligent way. It is aimed primarily at typesetting Hymns and orchestral scores. When the two parts are identical for a period of time, only will be shown. In places where the two parts differ, stem directions are set automatically. Also, soli and @`{a} due parts can be identified and marke. @subsubsection Part combine syntax The syntax for part combining is @example \partcombine @var{context} @var{musicexpr1} @var{musicexpr2} @end example where the pieces of music @var{musicexpr1} and @var{musicexpr2} will be combined into one context @var{context}. The names of the music expressions must start with the prefixes @code{one} and @code{two}. @subsubsection Part combine usage @cindex @code{Thread_devnull_engraver} @cindex @code{Voice_engraver} @cindex @code{A2_engraver} The most useful function of the part combiner to combining threads into one voice, as common for wind parts in orchestral scores: @lilypond[verbatim,singleline,fragment] \context Staff < \context Voice=one \partcombine Voice \context Thread=one \notes\relative c'' { g a b r } \context Thread=two \notes\relative c'' { g r2 f4 } > @end lilypond If you have developed a bit of a feel for LilyPond's functioning, you will notice that what you see above is quite unusual. The first @code{g} appears only once, although it was specified twice (once in each Thread). That is the work of the @code{Thread_devnull_engraver}@footnote{On unix systems, the file @file{/dev/null} is special device: anything written to it is discarded.}, that works closely together with the part combiner. When the part combiner notices that two threads are identical, it tells the @code{Thread_devnull_engraver} to discard everything in the second thread. Similarly, the markings @emph{@`{a}2}, @emph{Solo} and @emph{Solo II}, are created by the @code{A2_engraver}. The @code{A2_engraver} also acts upon instructions of the part combiner. Another thing that the @code{A2_engraver} does, is forcing of stem, slur and tie directions, always when both threads are not identical; up for the musicexpr called @code{one}, down for the musicexpr called @code{two}. There is actually a third engraver involved in part combining; the @code{Voice_devnull_engraver}. This one takes care of removing redundant spanners such as beams, slurs, ties, crescendi, etc. If you just want the splitting of Threads and setting of directions, and not the textual markings, you may set the property @var{soloADue} to false: @lilypond[verbatim,singleline] \score { \notes \context Staff < \context Voice=one \partcombine Voice \context Thread=one\relative c'' { b4 a c g } \context Thread=two\relative c'' { d,2 a4 g' } > \paper{ \translator { \VoiceContext soloADue = ##f } } } @end lilypond There are a number of other properties that you can use to tweak the behavior of part combining, refer to the automatically generated documentation of the involved engravers and the examples in the tutorial. @c . {Custodes} @node Custodes @section Custodes @cindex Custos @cindex Custodes A @emph{custos} (plural: @emph{custodes}; latin word for "guard") is a staff context symbol that appears at the end of a staff line. It anticipates the pitch of the first note(s) of the following line and thus helps the player or singer to manage line breaks during performance, thus enhancing readability of a score. @quotation @lilypond[verbatim] \score { \notes { c'1 d' e' d' \break c' d' e' d' } \paper { \translator { \StaffContext \consists Custos_engraver; Custos \override #'style = #'mensural; } } } @end lilypond @end quotation Custodes were frequently used in music notation until the 16th century. There were different appearences for different notation styles. Nowadays, they have survived only in special forms of musical notation such as via the editio vaticana dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. For typesetting custodes, just put a @code{Custos_engraver} into the @code{StaffContext} when declaring the @code{\paper} block. In this block, you can also globally control the appearance of the custos symbol by setting the custos @code{style} property. Currently supported styles are @code{vaticana}, @code{medicaea}, @code{hufnagel} and @code{mensural}. @quotation \paper @{ \translator @{ \StaffContext \consists Custos_engraver; Custos \override #'style = #'mensural; @} @} @end quotation The property can also be set locally, for example in a @code{\notes} block: @quotation \notes @{ \property Staff.Custos \override #'style = #'vaticana c'1 d' e' d' \break c' d' e' d' @} @end quotation @c . {Tuning output} @node Tuning output @section Tuning output LilyPond tries to take as much formatting as possible out of your hands. Nevertheless, there are situations where it needs some help, or where you want to override its decisions. Here we discuss how you can do that. Notational output is specified in so called grobs (graphic objects). Each grob carries with it a set of properties (grob properties) specific to that grob. For example, a stem grob has grob properties that specify its direction, length and thickness. The most common way of tuning the output is to alter the values of these properties. There are two ways of doing that: first, you can specifically select a set of grobs at one point, and set properties as you wish, or secondly, you can (temporarily) modify the definition of a grob, thereby affecting an entire group of grobs. @menu * Tuning groups of grobs :: * Tuning per grob :: * What to tune?:: * Text markup:: @end menu @node Tuning groups of grobs @subsection Tuning groups of grobs @cindex grob description A grob definition is an association list, that is stored in a context property. By assigning to that property (using plain @code{\property}), you can change the resulting grobs. @lilypond[verbatim, fragment] c'4 \property Voice.Stem \override #'meta = #'((interfaces . ())) c'4 @end lilypond The @code{\property} statement effectively empties the definition of the Stem object. One of the effects is that property specifying how it should be printed is erased, with the effect of rendering it invisible. @cindex \override @cindex \revert @cindex \set This mechanism is fairly crude, since you can only set, but not modify, the definition of a grob. For this reason, there is a more advanced mechanism: you can add a property on top of an existing definition, or remove a property: @code{\override} adds a settings, @code{\revert} removes that setting. @lilypond[verbatim] c'4 \property Voice.Stem \override #'thickness = #4.0 c'4 \property Voice.Stem \revert #'thickness c'4 @end lilypond For the digirati, the grob description is an Scheme association list. Since it is singly linked, we can treat it as a stack, and @code{\override} and @code{\revert} are just push and pop operations. This pushing and popping is also used in the @code{autoBeamSettings} property. If you revert a setting which was not set in the first place, then it has no effect. However, if the setting was set as a system default, it may remove the default value, and this may give surprising results, including crashes. In other words, if you use @code{\override} and @code{\revert}, be sure to balance the overrides and reverts. If balancing them is too much work, use the following shorthand: @code{\set} performs a revert followed by an override: @example \property Voice.Stem \set #'thickness = #2.0 @end example Formally the syntax for these constructions is @example \property @var{context}.@var{grobname} \override @var{symbol} = @var{value} \property @var{context}.@var{grobname} \set @var{symbol} = @var{value} \property @var{context}.@var{grobname} \revert @var{symbol} @end example Here @var{symbol} is a Scheme expression of symbol type, @var{context} and @var{grobname} are strings and @var{value} is a Scheme expression. LilyPond will hang or crash if @var{value} contains cyclic references. @node Tuning per grob @subsection Tuning per grob @cindex \outputproperty A second way of tuning grobs is the more arcane @code{\outputproperty} feature. Syntax is as follows @example \outputproperty @var{predicate} @var{symbol} = @var{value} @end example Here @code{predicate} is a Scheme functoin taking a grob a argument argument, and returning a boolean. This statement is processed by the @code{Output_property_engraver}. It instructs the engraver to feed all grobs that it sees to @var{predicate}. Whenever the predicate returns true, the grob property @var{symbol} will be set to @var{value}. You will need to combine this statement with @code{\context} to select the appropriate context to apply this to. If possible, avoid this feature: the semantics are not very clean, and the syntax and semantics are up for rewrite. Here are some random examples: @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,singleline] \relative c'' { c4 \context Staff \outputproperty #(make-type-checker 'note-head-interface) #'extra-offset = #'(0.5 . 0.75) } @end lilypond @cindex @code{extra-offset} This selects all note heads occurring at current staff level, and sets the @code{extra-offset} of those heads to @code{(0.5,0.75)}, shifting them up and right. Move the text "m.d.", but not the fingering instruction "2". @lilypond[verbatim,singleline] #(define (make-text-checker text) (lambda (grob) (equal? text (ly-get-elt-property grob 'text)))) \score { \notes\relative c''' { \property Voice.Stem \set #'direction = #1 \outputproperty #(make-text-checker "m.d.") #'extra-offset = #'(-3.5 . -4.5) a^2^"m.d." } } @end lilypond @node What to tune? @subsection What to tune? This all tells you how to tune grobs, but what variables are there? The question is not answered in this manual (although you may encounter some examples.). Grob properties are tied directly to the implementation of LilyPond, and they are thus a moving target. Refer to the automatically generated documentation of the internals (available from the website). You need the following information @itemize @bullet @item which grob to modify @item which property to modify @item which context the grob comes from. @end itemize Included with the automatically generated documentation is a master list of grobs. Each one can be clicked, taking you to a overview of the available properties. There is also a master list of contexts. Clicking each takes you to an overview of the context, listing which grob types are created there. @node Text markup @subsection Text markup @cindex text markup @cindex markup text LilyPond has an internal mechanism to typeset texts. You can form text markup expressions by composing scheme expressions in the following way. @lilypond[verbatim] \score { \notes \relative c' { b-#"italic" c-#'(upright "upright") c-#'((bold upright) "bold") d-#'(lines "one" ((bold upright) "two")) e-#'(music (named "noteheads-2" "flags-u3")) } \paper { linewidth = 10.\cm; } } @end lilypond Normally, the Scheme markup text is stored in the @code{text} property of a grob. Formally, it is defined as follows: @example text: string | (head? text+) head: markup | (markup+) markup-item: property | abbrev | @var{fontstyle} property: (@var{key} . @var{value}) abbrev: @code{rows lines roman music bold italic named super sub text} @end example The markup is broken down and converted into a list of grob properties, which are prepended to the grop's property list. The @var{key}-@var{value} pair is a grob property. The following abbreviations are currently defined: @table @code @item rows horizontal mode: set all text on one line (default) @item lines vertical mode: set every text on new line @item roman select roman font @item music select feta font @item bold select bold series @item italic select italic shape @item named lookup by character name @item text plain text lookup (by character value) @item super superscript @item sub subscript @end table @var{fontstyle} may be any of @code{finger volta timesig mmrest mark script large Large dynamic} It is possible to use @TeX{} commands in the strings, but this should be avoided because this makes it impossible for LilyPond to compute the exact length of the string, which may lead to collisions. Also, @TeX{} commands won't work with direct postscript output. @c . {Page layout} @node Page layout @section Page layout @cindex Page layout @menu * Paper block:: * Paper variables:: * Font Size:: * Paper size:: * Line break:: * Page break:: @end menu @c . {Paper block} @node Paper block @subsection Paper block @cindex Paper block The most important output definition is the @code{\paper} block, for music notation. The syntax is @example @code{\paper @{} [@var{paperidentifier}] @var{items} @code{@}} @end example where each of the items is one of @itemize @bullet @item An assignment. The assignment must be terminated by a semicolon. @item A context definition. See @ref{Notation Contexts} for more information on context definitions. @item \stylesheet declaration. Its syntax is @example \stylesheet @var{alist} @end example See @file{font.scm} for details of @var{alist}. @end itemize @c . {Paper variables} @node Paper variables @subsection Paper variables @cindex Paper variables The paper block has some variables you may want to use or change: @table @code @cindex @code{indent} @item @code{indent} The indentation of the first line of music. @cindex @code{staffspace} @item @code{staffspace} The distance between two staff lines, calculated from the center of the lines. You should use either this or @code{stafflinethickness} as a unit for distances you modify. @cindex @code{linewidth} @item @code{linewidth} Sets the width of the lines. If set to a negative value, a single unjustified line is produced. @cindex @code{textheight} @item @code{textheight} Sets the total height of the music on each page. Only used by ly2dvi. @cindex @code{interscoreline} @item @code{interscoreline} Sets the spacing between the score lines. Defaults to 16 pt. @cindex @code{interscorelinefill} @item @code{interscorelinefill} If set to a positive number, the distance between the score lines will stretch in order to fill the full page. In that case @code{interscoreline} specifies the minimum spacing. Defaults to 0. @cindex @code{stafflinethickness} @item @code{stafflinethickness} Determines the thickness of staff lines, and also acts as a scaling parameter for other line thicknesses. @end table @c . {Font size} @node Font Size @subsection Font size @cindex font size The Feta font provides musical symbols at six different sizes. These fonts are 11 point, 13 point, 16 point, 20 point, 23 point, and 26 point. The point size of a font is the height of the five lines in a staff when displayed in the font. Definitions for these sizes are the files @file{paperSZ.ly}, where @code{SZ} is one of 11, 13, 16, 20, 23 and 26. If you include any of these files, the identifiers @code{paperEleven}, @code{paperThirteen}, @code{paperSixteen}, @code{paperTwenty}, @code{paperTwentythree}, and @code{paperTwentysix} are defined respectively. The default @code{\paper} block is also set. The font definitions are generated using a Scheme function. For more details, see the file @file{font.scm}. @c . {Paper size} @node Paper size @subsection Paper size @cindex Paper size @cindex paper size @cindex page size @cindex @code{papersize} To change the paper size, you must first set the @code{papersize} variable at top level. Set it to the strings @code{a4}, @code{letter}, or @code{legal}. After this specification, you must set the font as described above. If you want the default font, then use the 20 point font. The new paper size will not take effect if the font is not loaded and selected afterwards. @example papersize = "a4" \include "paper16.ly" \score @{ ... \paper @{ \paperSixteen @} @} @end example The file "paper16.ly" will now include a file named @file{a4.ly}, which will set the paper variables @code{hsize} and @code{vsize} (used by @code{ly2dvi}) @c . {Line break} @node Line break @subsection Line break @cindex line breaks @cindex breaking lines Line breaks are normally computed automatically. They are chosen such that the resulting spacing has low variation, and looks neither cramped nor loose. Occasionally you might want to override the automatic breaks; you can do this by specifying @code{\break}. This will force a line break at this point. Do remember that line breaks can only occur at places where there are barlines. If you want to have a line break where there is no barline, you can force a barline by entering @code{\bar "";}. Similarly, @code{\noBreak} forbids a line break at a certain point. @cindex @code{\penalty} The @code{\break} and @code{\noBreak} commands are defined in terms of the penalty command: @example \penalty @var{int} @code{;} @end example This imposes encourages or discourages LilyPond to make a line break at this point. @strong{Warning} do not use @code{\penalty} directly. It is rather kludgy, and slated for rewriting. @c . {Page break} @node Page break @subsection Page break @cindex page breaks @cindex breaking pages Page breaks are normally computed by @TeX{}, so they are not under direct control. However, you can insert a commands into the @file{.tex} output to instruct @TeX{} where to break pages. For more details, see the example file @file{input/test/between-systems.ly} [or -> Tricks? ] @c . {Sound} @node Sound @section Sound @cindex Sound LilyPond allows MIDI output, with the purpose of proof-hearing the music you enter. The performance lacks lots of interesting effects, such as swing, articulation, slurring, tieing, etc. Also note that it is not possible to use the percussion channel (generally channel 10 of a MIDI file). @menu * MIDI block:: * MIDI instrument names:: * Tempo:: @end menu @c . {MIDI block} @node MIDI block @subsection MIDI block @cindex MIDI block The MIDI block is analogous to the paper block, but it is somewhat simpler. The @code{\midi} block can contain: @cindex MIDI block @itemize @bullet @item a @code{\tempo} definition @item context definitions @end itemize Assignments in the @code{\midi} block are not allowed. @cindex context definition Context definitions follow precisely the same syntax as within the \paper block. Translation modules for sound are called performers. The contexts for MIDI output are defined in @file{ly/performer.ly}. [Volume control] [Instrument Equaliser] FIXME: would it be useful to refer to files like scm/midi.scm, or to give examples of how to tweak MIDI output volume? @c . {MIDI instrument names} @node MIDI instrument names @subsection MIDI instrument names @cindex instrument names @cindex @code{Staff.midiInstrument} @cindex @code{Staff.instrument} The MIDI instrument name is set by the @code{Staff.midiInstrument} property or, if that property is not set, the @code{Staff.instrument} property. The instrument name should be chosen from the following list. If the selected string does not exactly match, then LilyPond uses the default piano. [FIXME: to appendix ] @example "acoustic grand" "contrabass" "lead 7 (fifths)" "bright acoustic" "tremolo strings" "lead 8 (bass+lead)" "electric grand" "pizzicato strings" "pad 1 (new age)" "honky-tonk" "orchestral strings" "pad 2 (warm)" "electric piano 1" "timpani" "pad 3 (polysynth)" "electric piano 2" "string ensemble 1" "pad 4 (choir)" "harpsichord" "string ensemble 2" "pad 5 (bowed)" "clav" "synthstrings 1" "pad 6 (metallic)" "celesta" "synthstrings 2" "pad 7 (halo)" "glockenspiel" "choir aahs" "pad 8 (sweep)" "music box" "voice oohs" "fx 1 (rain)" "vibraphone" "synth voice" "fx 2 (soundtrack)" "marimba" "orchestra hit" "fx 3 (crystal)" "xylophone" "trumpet" "fx 4 (atmosphere)" "tubular bells" "trombone" "fx 5 (brightness)" "dulcimer" "tuba" "fx 6 (goblins)" "drawbar organ" "muted trumpet" "fx 7 (echoes)" "percussive organ" "french horn" "fx 8 (sci-fi)" "rock organ" "brass section" "sitar" "church organ" "synthbrass 1" "banjo" "reed organ" "synthbrass 2" "shamisen" "accordion" "soprano sax" "koto" "harmonica" "alto sax" "kalimba" "concertina" "tenor sax" "bagpipe" "acoustic guitar (nylon)" "baritone sax" "fiddle" "acoustic guitar (steel)" "oboe" "shanai" "electric guitar (jazz)" "english horn" "tinkle bell" "electric guitar (clean)" "bassoon" "agogo" "electric guitar (muted)" "clarinet" "steel drums" "overdriven guitar" "piccolo" "woodblock" "distorted guitar" "flute" "taiko drum" "guitar harmonics" "recorder" "melodic tom" "acoustic bass" "pan flute" "synth drum" "electric bass (finger)" "blown bottle" "reverse cymbal" "electric bass (pick)" "skakuhachi" "guitar fret noise" "fretless bass" "whistle" "breath noise" "slap bass 1" "ocarina" "seashore" "slap bass 2" "lead 1 (square)" "bird tweet" "synth bass 1" "lead 2 (sawtooth)" "telephone ring" "synth bass 2" "lead 3 (calliope)" "helicopter" "violin" "lead 4 (chiff)" "applause" "viola" "lead 5 (charang)" "gunshot" "cello" "lead 6 (voice)" @end example @c . {Tempo} @node Tempo @subsection Tempo @cindex Tempo @cindex beats per minute @cindex metronome marking @cindex @code{\tempo} @example \tempo @var{duration} = @var{perminute} @code{;} @end example Used to specify the tempo. For example, @code{\tempo 4 = 76;} requests output with 76 quarter notes per minute. @c . {Music entry} @node Music entry @section Music entry @cindex Music entry @menu * Relative:: * Bar check:: * Point and click:: @end menu @c . {Relative} @node Relative @subsection Relative @cindex Relative @cindex relative octave specification Octaves are specified by adding @code{'} and @code{,} to pitch names. When you copy existing music, it is easy to accidentally put a pitch in the wrong octave and hard to find such an error. To prevent these errors, LilyPond features octave entry. @cindex @code{\relative} @example \relative @var{startpitch} @var{musicexpr} @end example The octave of notes that appear in @var{musicexpr} are calculated as follows: If no octave changing marks are used, the basic interval between this and the last note is always taken to be a fourth or less. The octave changing marks @code{'} and @code{,} can then be added to raise or lower the pitch by an extra octave. Upon entering relative mode, an absolute starting pitch must be specified that will act as the predecessor of the first note of @var{musicexpr}. This distance is determined without regarding accidentals: a @code{fisis} following a @code{ceses} will be put above the @code{ceses}. Entering scales is straightforward in relative mode. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] \relative c'' { g a b c d e f g g, g } @end lilypond And octave changing marks are used for intervals greater than a fourth. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] \relative c'' { c g c f, c' a, e'' } @end lilypond If the preceding item is a chord, the first note of the chord is used to determine the first note of the next chord. But other notes within the second chord are determined by looking at the immediately preceding note. @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] \relative c' { c } @end lilypond @cindex @code{\notes} The pitch after the @code{\relative} contains a notename. To parse the pitch as a notename, you have to be in note mode, so there must be a surrounding @code{\notes} keyword (which is not shown here). The relative conversion will not affect @code{\transpose} or @code{\relative} sections in its argument. If you want to use relative within transposed music, you must place an additional @code{\relative} inside the @code{\transpose}. @c . {Bar check} @node Bar check @subsection Bar check @cindex Bar check @cindex bar check @cindex @code{barCheckNoSynchronize} @cindex @code{|} Whenever a bar check is encountered during interpretation, a warning message is issued if it doesn't fall at a measure boundary. This can help you find errors in the input. Depending on the value of @code{barCheckNoSynchronize}, the beginning of the measure will be relocated, so this can also be used to shorten measures. A bar check is entered using the bar symbol, @code{|} @c . {Point and click} @node Point and click @subsection Point and click [todo] @c . {Engravers} @node Engravers @section Engravers @cindex engravers @menu * Notation Contexts:: * Creating contexts:: * Default contexts:: * Context properties:: * Changing context definitions:: * Defining new contexts:: @end menu @c . {Music expressions} @c . {Notation Contexts} @node Notation Contexts @subsection Notation Contexts @cindex notation contexts Notation contexts are objects that only exist during a run of LilyPond. During the interpretation phase of LilyPond (when lily prints "interpreting music"), music a @code{\score} block is interpreted in time order, i.e. in much the same order that humans read, play, and write music. During this reading, the notation context is holds the state for the current point within the music. It contains information like @itemize @bullet @item What notes are playing at this point? @item What symbols will be printed at this point? @item What is the current key signature, time signature, point within the measure, etc.? @end itemize Contexts are grouped hierarchically: A @code{Voice} context is contained in a @code{Staff} context (because a staff can contain multiple voices at any point), a @code{Staff} context is contained in a @code{Score}, @code{StaffGroup}, or @code{ChoirStaff} context (because these can all contain multiple staffs). Contexts associated with sheet music output are called @emph{notation contexts}, those for sound output are called performance contexts. @node Creating contexts @subsection Creating contexts @cindex @code{\context} @cindex context selection Contexts for a music expression can be selected manually, using the following music expression. @example \context @var{contexttype} [= @var{contextname}] @var{musicexpr} @end example This instructs lilypond to interpret @var{musicexpr} within the context of type @var{contexttype} and with name @var{contextname}. If this context does not exist, it will be created. @quotation @lilypond[verbatim,singleline] \score { \notes \relative c'' { c4 f } } @end lilypond @end quotation In this example, the @code{c} and @code{d} are printed on the default staff. For the @code{e}, a context Staff called @code{another} is specified; since that does not exist, a new context is created. Within @code{another}, a (default) Voice context is created for the @code{e4}. When all music referring to a context is finished, the context is ended as well. So after the third quarter, @code{another} is removed. @node Default contexts @subsection Default contexts Most music expressions don't need @code{\context}: they inherit the notation context from their parent. Each note is a music expression, and as you can see in the following example, only the sequential music enclosing the three notes has an explicit context. @lilypond[verbatim,singleline] \score { \notes \context Voice = goUp { c'4 d' e' } } @end lilypond There are some quirks that you must keep in mind when dealing with defaults: Every top-level music is interpreted by the Score context, in other words, you may think of @code{\score} working like @example \score @{ \context Score @var{music} @} @end example Sequential music follows the contexts of its "children". Take this example @lilypond[verbatim, singleline] \score { \context Score \notes { c'4 ( d' )e' } } @end lilypond The sequential music is interpreted by the Score context initially (notice that the @code{\context} specification is redundant), but when a note is encountered, contexts are setup to accept that note. In this case, a Thread, Voice and Staff are created. The rest of the sequential music is also interpreted with the same Thread, Voice and Staff context, putting the notes on the same staff, in the same voice. This is a convenient mechanism, but do not expect opening chords to work without @code{\context}. For every note, a separate staff is instantiated. @lilypond[verbatim, singleline] \score { \notes } @end lilypond Of course, if the chord is preceded by a normal note in sequential music, the chord will be interpreted by the Thread of the preceding note: @lilypond[verbatim,singleline] \score { \notes { c'4 } } @end lilypond @node Context properties @subsection Context properties Notation contexts can be modified from within the @file{.ly} file. The following music expression does that job: @cindex @code{\property} @example \property @var{contextname}.@var{propname} = @var{value} @end example Sets the @var{propname} property of the context @var{contextname} to the specified Scheme expression @var{value}. All @var{propname} and @var{contextname} are strings, which are typically unquoted. Properties that are set in one context are inherited by all of the contained contexts. This means that a property valid for the @code{Voice} context can be set in the @code{Score} context (for example) and thus take effect in all @code{Voice} contexts. @c . {Context definitions} @node Changing context definitions @subsection Changing context definitions @cindex context definition @cindex translator definition The most common way to define a context is by extending an existing context. You can change an existing context from the paper block, by first initializing a translator with an existing context identifier: @example \paper @{ \translator @{ @var{context-identifier} @} @} @end example Then you can add engravers, remove engravers and set context properties. The syntax for these operations are respectively @example \remove @var{engravername} \consists @var{engravername} @var{propname} = @var{value} @end example Here @var{engravername} is a string, the name of an engraver in the system. @var{propname} is a string and @var{value} is a Scheme expression. @lilypond[verbatim,singleline] \score { \notes { c'4 c'4 } \paper { \translator { \StaffContext \consists Instrument_name_engraver; instrument = #"foo" \remove Clef_engraver; } } } @end lilypond @cindex engraver These type of property assignments happen before interpretation starts, so a @code{\property} expression will override any predefined settings. Engravers are the actual C++ modules that do the work in the interpretation phase. There are some pre-defined identifiers to simplify editing translators, they are defined in @file{ly/engraver.ly}. These pre-defined identifiers are: @table @code @cindex @code{StaffContext} @item @code{StaffContext} Default Staff context. @cindex @code{RhythmicStaffContext} @item @code{RhythmicStaffContext} Default RhythmicStaff context. @cindex @code{VoiceContext} @item @code{VoiceContext} Default Voice context. @cindex @code{ScoreContext} @item @code{ScoreContext} Default Score context. @cindex @code{HaraKiriStaffContext} @item @code{HaraKiriStaffContext} Staff context that does not print if it only contains rests. Useful for orchestral scores.@footnote{Harakiri, also called Seppuku, is the ritual suicide of the Japanese Samourai warriors.} @end table @node Defining new contexts @subsection Defining new contexts If you want to build a context from scratch, you must also supply the following extra information: @itemize @bullet @item A name, specified by @code{\name @var{contextname};}. @item A cooperation engraver. This is specified by @code{\type @var{typename};}. @end itemize A context definition has this syntax: @example \translator @code{@{} @var{translatorinit} @var{translatormodifierlist} @code{@}} @end example @var{translatorinit} can be an identifier or @example @end example where @var{typename} is one of The cooperation engraver groups other engravers, and specifies how they should cooperate. Choices are: @table @code @cindex @code{Engraver_group_engraver} @item @code{Engraver_group_engraver} The standard cooperation engraver. @cindex @code{Score_engraver} @item @code{Score_engraver} This is cooperation module that should be in the top level context, and only the toplevel context. @cindex @code{Grace_engraver_group} @item @code{Grace_engraver_group} This is a special cooperation module (resembling @code{Score_engraver}) that is used to created an embedded `miniscore'. @end table @var{translatormodifierlist} is a list of items where each item is one of @itemize @bullet @item @code{\consists} @var{engravername} @code{;} Add @var{engravername} to the list of modules in this context. The order of engravers added with @code{\consists} is significant. @item @code{\consistsend} @var{engravername} @code{;} Analogous to @code{\consists}, but makes sure that @var{engravername} is always added to the end of the list of engravers. Some engraver types need to be at the end of the list; this insures they are put there, and stay there, if a user adds or removes engravers. This command is usually not needed for end-users. @item @code{\accepts} @var{contextname} @code{;} Add @var{contextname} to the list of context this context can contain. The first listed context is the context to create by default. @item @code{\denies}. The opposite of @code{\accepts}. Added for completeness, but is never used in practice. @item @code{\remove} @var{engravername} @code{;} Remove a previously added (with @code{\consists}) engraver. @item @code{\name} @var{contextname} @code{;} This sets name of the context, e.g. @code{Staff}, @code{Voice}. If the name is not specified, the translator won't do anything. @item @var{propname} @code{=} @var{value} @code{;} A property assignment. @end itemize In the @code{\paper} block, it is also possible to define translator identifiers. Like other block identifiers, the identifier can only be used as the very first item of a translator. In order to define such an identifier outside of @code{\score}, you must do @quotation @example \paper @{ foo = \translator @{ @dots{} @} @} \score @{ \notes @{ @dots{} @} \paper @{ \translator @{ \foo @dots{} @} @} @} @end example @end quotation @cindex paper types, engravers, and pre-defined translators Properties can be preset within the @code{\translator} block corresponding to the appropriate context. In this case, the syntax is @example @var{propname} @code{=} @var{value} @end example The property settings are used during the interpretation phase. They are read by the LilyPond modules where interpretation contexts are built of. These modules are called @emph{translators}. Translators for notation are called @emph{engravers}, and translators for sound are called @emph{performers}. @c . {Syntactic details} @node Syntactic details @section Syntactic details @cindex Syntactic details @menu * Top level:: * Identifiers:: * Music expressions:: * Manipulating music expressions:: * Assignments:: * Lexical details:: * Lexical modes:: * Ambiguities:: @end menu @c . {Top level} @node Top level @subsection Top level @cindex Top level This section describes what you may enter at top level. @c . {Score} @subsubsection Score @cindex Score @cindex score definition The output is generated combining a music expression with an output definition. A score block has the following syntax: @example \score @{ @var{musicexpr} @var{outputdefs} @} @end example @var{outputdefs} are zero or more output definitions. If no output definition is supplied, the default @code{\paper} block will be added. @c . {Default output} @subsubsection Default output Default values for the @code{\paper} and @code{\midi} block are set by entering such a block at top-level. @c . {Header} @subsubsection Header @cindex Header @cindex @code{\header} The syntax is @example \header @{ @var{key1} = @var{val1}; @cindex @code{ly2dvi} @var{key2} = @var{val2}; @dots{} @} @end example A header describes the file's contents. It can also appear in a @code{\score} block. Tools like @code{ly2dvi} can use this information for generating titles. Key values that are used by @code{ly2dvi} are: title, subtitle, composer, opus, poet, instrument, metre, arranger, piece and tagline. It is customary to put the @code{\header} at the top of the file. @subsubsection Default output A @code{\midi} or @code{\paper} block at top-level sets the default paper block for all scores that lack an explicit paper block. @c . {Identifiers} @node Identifiers @subsection Identifiers @cindex Identifiers All of the information in a LilyPond input file, is represented as a Scheme value. In addition to normal Scheme data types (such as pair, number, boolean, etc.), LilyPond has a number of specialized data types, @itemize @bullet @item Input @item c++-function @item Music @item Identifier @item Translator_def @item Duration @item Pitch @item Score @item Music_output_def @item Moment (rational number) @end itemize LilyPond also includes some transient object types. Objects of these types are built during a LilyPond run, and do not `exist' per se within your input file. These objects are created as a result of your input file, so you can include commands in the input to manipulate them, during a lilypond run. @itemize @bullet @item Grob: short for Graphical object. See @ref{Grobs}. @item Molecule: device-independent page output object, including dimensions. Produced by some Grob functions See @ref{Molecules} @item Translator: object that produces audio objects or Grobs. This is not yet user accessible. @item Font_metric: object representing a font. (See @ref{Font metrics}) @end itemize @node Music expressions @subsection Music expressions @cindex music expressions Music in LilyPond is entered as a music expression. Notes, rests, lyric syllables are music expressions, and you can combine music expressions to form new ones, for example by enclosing a list of expressions in @code{\sequential @{ @}} or @code{< >}. In this example, a compound expression is formed out of the quarter note @code{c} and a quarter note @code{d}: @example \sequential @{ c4 d4 @} @end example @cindex Sequential music @cindex @code{\sequential} @cindex sequential music @cindex @code{<} @cindex @code{>} @cindex Simultaneous music @cindex @code{\simultaneous} The two basic compound music expressions are simultaneous and sequential music. @example \sequential @code{@{} @var{musicexprlist} @code{@}} \simultaneous @code{@{} @var{musicexprlist} @code{@}} @end example For both, there is a shorthand: @example @code{@{} @var{musicexprlist} @code{@}} @end example for sequential and @example @code{<} @var{musicexprlist} @code{>} @end example for simultaneous music. Other compound music expressions include @example \repeat @var{expr} \transpose @var{pitch} @var{expr} \apply @var{func} @var{expr} \context @var{type} = @var{id} @var{expr} \times @var{fraction} @var{expr} @end example In principle, the way in which you nest sequential and simultaneous to produce music is not relevant. In the following example, three chords are expressed in two different ways: @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] \notes \context Voice { < { a b c' } { c' d' e' } > } @end lilypond However, in some cases, LilyPond will also try to choose contexts, and use the structure of the music expression to do so. This can have undesired effects: for example, LilyPond will create a separate staff for each note if you start a @code{\score} with a chord: @lilypond[verbatim,center,singleline] \score { \notes } @end lilypond The solution is to explicitly instantiate the context you desire. In this case this is typically a Voice context @lilypond[verbatim,center,singleline] \score { \notes\context Voice } @end lilypond If you use @code{\context Staff} you will get separate stems for each note head, leading to collisions, so don't use that. @c . {Manipulating music expressions} @node Manipulating music expressions @subsection Manipulating music expressions The @code{\apply} mechanism gives you access to the internal representation of music. You can write Scheme-functions that operate directly on it. The syntax is @example \apply #@var{func} @var{music} @end example This means that @var{func} is applied to @var{music}. The function @var{func} should return a music expression. This example replaces the text string of a script. It also shows a dump of the music it processes, which is useful if you want to know more about how music is stored. @lilypond[verbatim] #(define (testfunc x) (if (equal? (ly-get-mus-property x 'text) "foo") (ly-set-mus-property x 'text "bar")) ;; recurse (ly-set-mus-property x 'elements (map testfunc (ly-get-mus-property x 'elements))) (display x) x ) \score { \notes \apply #testfunc { c4_"foo" } } @end lilypond For more information on what is possible, see the @ref{Tricks} and the automatically generated documentation. As always: directly accessing internal representations is dangerous: the implementation is subject to changes, so you should not use this if possible. @c . {Span requests} @menu * Span requests:: @end menu @node Span requests @subsubsection Span requests @cindex Span requests Notational constructs that start and end on different notes can be entered using span requests. The syntax is as follows: @example \spanrequest @var{startstop} @var{type} @end example @cindex @code{\start} @cindex @code{\stop} This defines a spanning request. The @var{startstop} parameter is either -1 (@code{\start}) or 1 (@code{\stop}) and @var{type} is a string that describes what should be started. Much of the syntactic sugar is a shorthand for @code{\spanrequest}, for example, @lilypond[fragment,verbatim,center] c'4-\spanrequest \start "slur" c'4-\spanrequest \stop "slur" @end lilypond Among the supported types are @code{crescendo}, @code{decrescendo}, @code{beam}, @code{slur}. This is an internal command. Users are encouraged to use the shorthands which are defined in the initialization file @file{spanners.ly}. @c . {Assignments} @node Assignments @subsection Assignments @cindex Assignments Identifiers allow objects to be assigned to names during the parse stage. To assign an identifier, you use @var{name}@code{=}@var{value} and to refer to an identifier, you preceed its name with a backslash: `@code{\}@var{name}'. @var{value} is any valid Scheme value or any of the input-types listed above. Identifier assignments can appear at top level in the LilyPond file, but also in @code{\paper} blocks. Semicolons are forbidden after top level assignments, but mandatory in other places. The rules about semicolons and assignments are very confusing, but when LilyPond input evolves more towards Scheme, we hope that this problem will grow smaller. An identifier can be created with any string for its name, but you will only be able to refer to identifiers whose names begin with a letter, being entirely alphabetical. It is impossible to refer to an identifier whose name is the same as the name of a keyword. The right hand side of an identifier assignment is parsed completely before the assignment is done, so it is allowed to redefine an identifier in terms of its old value, e.g. @example foo = \foo * 2.0 @end example When an identifier is referenced, the information it points to is copied. For this reason, an identifier reference must always be the first item in a block. @example \paper @{ foo = 1.0 \paperIdent % wrong and invalid @} \paper @{ \paperIdent % correct foo = 1.0 @} @end example @c . {Lexical details} @node Lexical details @subsection Lexical details @cindex Lexical details @menu @end menu @c . {Comments} @subsubsection Comments @cindex Comments @cindex @code{%} A one line comment is introduced by a @code{%} character. Block comments are started by @code{%@{} and ended by @code{%@}}. They cannot be nested. @c . {Direct Scheme} @subsubsection Direct Scheme @cindex Scheme @cindex GUILE @cindex Scheme, in-line code LilyPond contains a Scheme interpreter (the GUILE library) for internal use. In some places Scheme expressions also form valid syntax: whereever it is allowed, @example #@var{scheme} @end example evaluates the specified Scheme code. If this is used at toplevel, then the result is discarded. Example: @example \property Staff.TestObject \override #'foobar = #(+ 1 2) @end example @code{\override} expects two Scheme expressions, so there are two Scheme expressions. The first one is a symbol (@code{foobar}), the second one an integer (namely, 3). Scheme is a full-blown programming language, and a full discussion is outside the scope of this document. Interested readers are referred to the website @uref{http://www.schemers.org/} for more information on Scheme. @c . {Keywords} @subsubsection Keywords @cindex Keywords Keywords start with a backslash, followed by a number of lower case alphabetic characters. These are all the keywords. @example apply arpeggio autochange spanrequest commandspanrequest simultaneous sequential accepts alternative bar breathe char chordmodifiers chords clef cm consists consistsend context denies duration dynamicscript elementdescriptions font grace header in lyrics key mark pitch time times midi mm name pitchnames notes outputproperty override set revert partial paper penalty property pt relative remove repeat addlyrics partcombine score script stylesheet skip textscript tempo translator transpose type @end example @c . {Integers} @subsubsection Integers @cindex integers @cindex @code{+} @cindex @code{-} @cindex @code{*} @cindex @code{/} Formed from an optional minus sign followed by digits. Arithmetic operations cannot be done with integers, and integers cannot be mixed with reals. @c . {Reals} @subsubsection Reals @cindex real numbers Formed from an optional minus sign and a sequence of digits followed by a @emph{required} decimal point and an optional exponent such as @code{-1.2e3}. Reals can be built up using the usual operations: `@code{+}', `@code{-}', `@code{*}', and `@code{/}', with parentheses for grouping. @cindex @code{\mm}, @cindex @code{\in} @cindex @code{\cm} @cindex @code{\pt} @cindex dimensions A real constant can be followed by one of the dimension keywords: @code{\mm} @code{\pt}, @code{\in}, or @code{\cm}, for millimeters, points, inches and centimeters, respectively. This converts the number to a real that is the internal representation of dimensions. @c . {Strings} @subsubsection Strings @cindex string @cindex concatenate Begins and ends with the @code{"} character. To include a @code{"} character in a string write @code{\"}. Various other backslash sequences have special interpretations as in the C language. A string that contains no spaces can be written without the quotes. See @ref{Lexical modes} for details on unquoted strings; their interpretation varies depending on the situation. Strings can be concatenated with the @code{+} operator. The tokenizer accepts the following commands. They have no grammatical function, hence they can appear anywhere in the input. @c . {Main input} @subsubsection Main input @cindex Main input @cindex @code{\maininput} The @code{\maininput} command is used in init files to signal that the user file must be read. This command cannot be used in a user file. @c . {File inclusion} @subsubsection Main input @cindex Main input @subsubsection File inclusion @cindex @code{\include} @example \include @var{filename} @end example Include @var{filename}. The argument @var{filename} may be a quoted string (an unquoted string will not work here!) or a string identifier. The full filename including the @file{.ly} extension must be given, @subsubsection Version information @cindex @code{\version} @example \version @var{string} ; @end example Specify the version of LilyPond that a file was written for. The argument is a version string in quotes, for example @code{"1.2.0"}. This is used to detect invalid input, and to aid @code{convert-ly} a tool that automatically upgrades input files. See See @ref{convert-ly} for more information on @code{convert-ly}. @cindex convert-ly @c . {Pitch names} @subsubsection Defining pitch names @cindex Lexical modes @cindex definining pitch names @cindex pitch names, definining @cindex note names @cindex chord modifier names A @code{\paper} block at top level sets the default paper block. A @code{\midi} block at top level works similarly. @c . {Assignments} @subsubsection Assignments @cindex assignments @cindex @code{#} Identifier assignments may appear at top level. @ref{Assignments} @c . {Direct scheme} @subsubsection Direct scheme @cindex Direct scheme Scheme statements maybe issued to produce interesting side-effects. @c . {Lexical modes} @node Lexical modes @subsection Lexical modes @cindex Lexical modes @cindex input mode @cindex mode, input @cindex @code{\notes} @cindex @code{\chords} @cindex @code{\lyrics} To simplify entering notes, lyrics, and chords, LilyPond has three special input modes on top of the default mode: note, lyrics and chords mode. These input modes change the way that normal, unquoted words are interpreted: for example, the word @code{cis} may be interpreted as a C-sharp, as a lyric syllable `cis' or as a C-sharp major triad respectively. A mode switch is entered as a compound music expressions @example @code{\notes} @var{musicexpr} @code{\chords} @var{musicexpr} @code{\lyrics} @var{musicexpr}. @end example In each of these cases, these expressions do not add anything to the meaning of their arguments. They are just a way to indicate that the arguments should be parsed in indicated mode. The modes are treated in more detail in the @ref{Note entry}, @ref{Lyrics} and @ref{Chords}. You may nest different input modes. @c . {Ambiguities} @node Ambiguities @subsection Ambiguities @cindex ambiguities @cindex grammar The grammar contains a number of ambiguities. We hope to resolve them at some time. @itemize @bullet @item The assignment @example foo = bar @end example can be interpreted as making a string identifier @code{\foo} containing @code{"bar"}, or a music identifier @code{\foo} containing the syllable `bar'. @item The assignment @example foo = -6 @end example can be interpreted as making an integer identifier containing -6, or a Request identifier containing the fingering `6' (with neutral direction). @item If you do a nested repeat like @quotation @example \repeat @dots{} \repeat @dots{} \alternative @end example @end quotation then it is ambiguous to which @code{\repeat} the @code{\alternative} belongs. This is the classic if-then-else dilemma. It may be solved by using braces. @item (an as yet unidentified ambiguity :-) @end itemize @c .{Local emacs vars} @c Local variables: @c mode: texinfo @c minor-mode: font-lock @c minor-mode: outline @c outline-layout: (-1 : 0) @c outline-use-mode-specific-leader: "@c \." @c outline-primary-bullet: "{" @c outline-stylish-prefixes: nil @c outline-override-protect: t @c End: