1 @c -*- coding: utf-8; mode: texinfo; -*-
3 Translation of GIT committish: FILL-IN-HEAD-COMMITTISH
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11 @unnumbered Introduction
13 @divClass{column-center-top}
16 @imageFloat{flat-design,png,right}
18 LilyPond came about when two musicians wanted to go beyond the
19 soulless look of computer-printed sheet music. Musicians prefer
20 reading beautiful music, so why couldn't programmers write
21 software to produce elegant printed parts?
23 The result is a program that creates beautiful sheet music
24 following the best traditions of classical music engraving.
25 It takes care of the details of layout programmatically,
26 allowing composers, transcribers and publishers to focus
27 on the @emph{music} instead of improving their software's
28 default output. Performers will get parts that let them
29 concentrate on @emph{playing} music instead of @emph{reading} it.
34 @divClass{link-headings}
36 @divClass{column-left-top}
37 @subheading What LilyPond does
42 @ref{Features}: What can LilyPond do?
45 @ref{Examples}: I want to see some music!
48 @ref{Freedom}: LilyPond is Free Software.
51 @ref{Background}: Our computational aesthetics.
56 @divClass{column-right-top}
57 @subheading LilyPond in use
61 @ref{Productions}: Real-life use of LilyPond.
64 @ref{Reviews}: What do people say?
69 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
70 @subheading How LilyPond works
74 @ref{Text input}: You write music as @emph{text}?!
77 @ref{Easier editing}: Other ways of working with LilyPond.
84 @c TRANSLATORS, translations are not yet compiled in Info format, so
85 @c it's not worth translating the right column of the following
89 * Features:: What can LilyPond do?
90 * Examples:: I want to see some music!
91 * Freedom:: Freedom and the GPL.
92 * Background:: Computational aesthetics.
93 * Productions:: Real-life use of LilyPond.
94 * Reviews:: What do people say about it?
95 * Text input:: You write music as text?!
96 * Easier editing:: Other ways of working with LilyPond.
103 @unnumberedsec Features
104 @divClass{column-center-top}
107 @subheading Excellent classical engraving
109 @imageFloat{flat-design,png,right}
111 LilyPond allows musicians to produce elegant sheet music that is
112 easy to read. Its developer community has spent thousands of hours
113 developing powerful music engraving software that results in beautifully
114 engraved music. All of LilyPond's style settings, font designs and
115 algorithms have been inspired by the finest hand-engraved music.
116 LilyPond output has the same strong, balanced and elegant look as the
117 best-engraved classical scores. This is further explained in our
123 @divClass{column-center-top}
124 @subheading Text input
126 @subsubheading Everything is explicit
128 LilyPond processes text input, which contains all information
129 about the @emph{content} of your score and can easily be read
130 by any human or another program. There are no obscure
131 settings hidden behind menu items and binary file storage.
133 Read more about this concept on @ref{Text input}.
136 @subsubheading Tweaks are robust and traceable
138 If you have to change anything in the layout this tweak will
139 also be explicitly visible in the input file in human-readable
140 form, so you will always be able to retrace what you've done.
141 If you should accidentally break anything you can easily revert
142 or modify any decision without being at the mercy of an
143 @emph{Undo} function.
146 @subsubheading Text files are failure- and future-proof
148 Text files are very robust against file corruption. And as they are
149 human-readable, you will always be able to interpret them even if
150 you don't have access to the programs that created them.
153 @subsubheading Manage your scores with version control
155 Text files are applicable to be managed by version control. Go
156 for it and experience infinite and selective undo/redo mechanisms
157 and the full development history of your scores. Version control
158 may also open up new (collaborative) workflows for you.
162 @divClass{column-center-top}
163 @subheading Usability
165 @imageFloat{lilypond-book,png,right}
168 @subsubheading Effective layout choices
170 Spend less time with tweaking the output; LilyPond gets the
171 formatting correct right from the start. It determines spacing by
172 itself, and breaks lines and pages to provide a tight and uniform
173 layout. Clashes between lyrics, notes, and chords are resolved
174 and slurs and beams are sloped, automatically!
177 @subsubheading Mix music and text
179 Put fragments of music into texts without cutting and pasting
180 pictures. Integrate music into @LaTeX{} or HTML seamlessly, or add
181 music to OpenOffice.org/LibreOffice with OOoLilyPond. Plugins are
182 also available to allow LilyPond code in various blogs and wikis, making
183 online collaboration possible.
186 @subsubheading Accessibility
188 Text-based input also makes score-writing possible for users with
189 severe physical disabilities. Dexterity-impaired users who are
190 unable to type or control a computer mouse can use
191 speech-recognition software to edit LilyPond files. Even users
192 who are totally blind can use screen-reading software to write
193 LilyPond files -- an impossible task in graphical-based
194 score-writing programs.
195 You can see a spectacular score on @ref{Examples}.
197 @subsubheading Editor diversity
199 Several developers, themselves active LilyPond users,
200 have written tools specifically aimed at making the process of editing
201 LilyPond files faster and more effective; you are not tied to
202 a single user interface but can use different tools for different tasks.
203 You can even use a full-fledged LilyPond editor at home and use your
204 mobile phone's notepad app to edit the files on the go. For some examples,
205 see @ref{Easier editing}.
206 @c TODO: Change this when the new pages have been written and pushed
211 @divClass{column-center-top}
213 @subheading Extensible design
215 @subsubheading Easy management of style sheets
217 All layout settings can be changed to suit your personal typographical
218 taste. So you can easily write style sheets that change every aspect of
219 LilyPond scores' default appearance. As these are also written as text
220 and can be stored in separate files you can simply switch between two
221 stylesheets to produce scores with a completely different appearance or
223 You want to print a score on A4 paper and project it with a beamer,
224 one system per page? LilyPond's layout engine will effortlessly produce
225 both from the same input.
227 @subsubheading Add your own functions
229 If that still is not enough, there is always the built-in
230 scripting language Scheme, which can access LilyPond's layout
231 engine at the same level as LilyPond itself does, making it
232 a @emph{very} powerful tool.
233 Settings, variables and functions are all documented in the
234 comprehensive program reference manual.
236 @subsubheading Process scores programmatically
238 LilyPond input files can fully be edited or even generated by programs
239 and scripts. This can for example be used for algorithmical composition.
240 But you can also access the musical content for analysis, or manage
241 input fragments in a database. There are no limitations except your
245 @subsubheading Create new tools using LilyPond
247 As LilyPond isn't a monolithic GUI program but a command line tool it
248 can be used from within other applications too. This way it is possible
249 to equip tools like e.g. web applications with LilyPond's engraving
250 power. There already exist several online tools using LilyPond.
252 @c (TBD: Add a link to the new @ref{Applications} page.
257 @divClass{column-center-top}
259 @subheading Environment
261 @imageFloat{frescobaldi-lilypond-editor-small,png,right}
265 @subsubheading Excellent support
267 LilyPond runs on all popular platforms: GNU/Linux, MacOS X, and
268 Windows. LilyPond comes with extensive documentation and hundreds
269 of example files. There is an active user community answering
270 questions on the lilypond-user mailing list, offering you friendly
271 help. The response time is usually very short, and often brillant
272 solutions to reported problems are developed. Thanks to the close
273 interaction with the development team such solutions are regularly
274 included in LilyPond itself.
275 Read more in @ref{Community}.
278 @subsubheading Free software
280 LilyPond can be downloaded free of charge! Yep - It's free. Get
281 it from the download page.
283 It's also free (as in @qq{speech}) software. It comes with source
284 code, and permission to change and copy it. So, are you irritated
285 by a bug, or yearning for a feature? Simply add it yourself, or
286 pay someone else to do it.
287 Read more on @ref{Freedom}.
290 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
291 @subheading Where now?
293 Still not convinced? Look at some specific @ref{Examples}. If you've
294 already decided to try LilyPond, first read about our
301 @unnumberedsec Examples
303 @divClass{column-center-top}
305 @subheading Beautiful examples
307 LilyPond is a powerful and flexible tool for engraving tasks of
308 all kinds. Please browse our gallery of examples and be inspired!
312 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
313 @subheading Classical Music
315 This organ work by J.S. Bach is a fairly typical engraving project
318 @exampleImage{bach-bwv610}
321 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
322 @subheading Complex Notation
324 This example from @emph{Goyescas} by Enrique Granados shows some
325 of the more advanced features of typesetting, including kneed
326 beams, cross-staff stems, and voice-follow lines.
328 @exampleImage{granados}
331 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
332 @subheading Early Music
334 LilyPond also supports various types of ancient notation, such
335 as this passage of Gregorian chant.
337 @exampleImage{ancient-headword}
340 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
341 @subheading Modern Music
343 Contemporary composers find LilyPond well-suited to displaying
344 unusual notation. Here is an excerpt from Trevor Bača's
345 @emph{Čáry}, for unaccompanied bass flute.
351 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
352 @subheading Efficient, flexible creation of performance materials
354 Various performance materials can be created from the same source
355 code. This is an excerpt of @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/,
356 Nicolas Sceaux's} engraving of Handel's @emph{Giulio Cesare}, in
357 full score, piano-vocal reduction, and a violin part.
359 @exampleImage{sesto-full}
361 @exampleImage{sesto-piano}
363 @exampleImage{sesto-violin}
367 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
368 @subheading Tablature
370 LilyPond supports tablature notation, which can be customized to
371 suit any instrument that reads from tablature. The tablature
372 staff is generated automatically from notes entered for the 5-line
375 @exampleImage{tab-example}
378 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
379 @subheading Schenker Graphs
381 Standard output can be modified heavily. Here is an impressive
382 Schenkerian analysis, created by Kris Schaffer, for an article
383 in @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8364 , Linux Journal}.
384 The colors have been added for better visibility.
386 @exampleImage{bach-schenker}
389 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
390 @subheading Customized Output
392 A short excerpt from Stockhausen's Klavierstück II to demonstrate
393 Lilypond's ability to provide customised output.
395 @exampleImage{Stockhausen_Klavierstueck2}
398 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
399 @subheading Vocal Music
401 LilyPond is excellent for vocal music of all kinds, from sacred
402 hymns to opera. Here is a medieval motet with slightly unusual
403 requirements. The tenor voice is written in a different meter
404 than the others, but must line up as if it were in the same meter.
405 LilyPond handles this most elegantly. Note also the incipits with
406 Vaticana style clefs, the slashed stems indicating plicated notes,
407 and the ligature braces above certain groups of notes.
409 @exampleImage{aucun-snippet}
412 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
413 @subheading Educational Applications
415 LilyPond is perfectly suited for educational purposes as well.
416 Here is an example of a simple counterpoint exercise.
418 @exampleImage{theory}
421 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
422 @subheading Popular Music
424 It is simple to create pop lead sheets with melody, lyrics,
425 chord names, and fretboards. In this example you see some of the
426 predefined fretboard diagrams, but these can be heavily customized
427 to suit nearly any situation.
432 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
433 @subheading Large Projects
435 LilyPond is excellent for large projects like operas or works for
436 full symphony orchestra, as well. In addition, the text-based
437 input provides greater accessibility -- this example was
438 contributed by Hu Haipeng, a blind composer.
440 @exampleImage{orchestra}
443 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
444 @subheading Where now?
446 Still not convinced? LilyPond is Free software, granting you
447 @ref{Freedom}. If you've already decided to try LilyPond, first
448 read about our @ref{Text input}.
453 @unnumberedsec Freedom
455 @divClass{column-center-top}
456 @subheading Free Software
458 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/, GNU} LilyPond is written and maintained
459 by a community of enthusiasts. It is published under the
460 @ref{GPL, GNU General Public License} and the @ref{FDL, GNU Free
461 Documentation License}, giving everybody the freedom to fix,
462 modify, and extend the program. Creating beautiful music should
463 not require hundreds of dollars of software!
467 @c @divClass{column-left-top}
468 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
469 @divClass{keep-bullets}
470 @subheading What are the benefits to users?
475 No cost: download and try it out! What do you have to lose?
478 Sharing: if you like the program, give a copy to your friends,
479 teachers, students, and colleagues!
482 Source available: if you are curious about how LilyPond creates
483 some notation, you can see exactly how it is done.
486 Extendible: you can add features, fix bugs, and change the
487 functionality. If you are not a programmer, you can hire somebody
490 This may not seem appealing to casual musicians, but the ability
491 to extend software can be highly valuable to serious composers,
492 companies, and academics.
495 Future safety: if a commercial company goes bankrupt, what happens
496 to any electronic music which depends on their products? This is
497 not a concern with LilyPond; even if the entire development team
498 quits (extremely unlikely), the program will still be legally
499 available for copying, modifications, and distribution.
508 @c @divClass{column-right-top}
509 @divClass{column-center-middle-color3}
510 @divClass{keep-bullets}
511 @subheading Why do LilyPond developers @qq{give away} their work for free?
513 Most of us view LilyPond development as a hobby or volunteer work.
514 So this question is really asking @qq{why do people volunteer}?
519 Fun: working towards a goal can be enjoyable, especially when you
523 Shared goals: we all want beautiful sheet music, but few people
524 have the expertise (and nobody has the time!), to create a program
525 which can handle all situations. By working together -- one
526 person improves the automatic beaming code, another person
527 improves the shape of slurs, and a third person writes
528 documentation explaining how to use these features -- we can
529 achieve our goal with only a fraction of the individual effort.
532 @qq{Gift culture}: the Free Software
533 movement has created many great software projects, such as
534 @uref{http://kernel.org/, GNU/Linux},
535 @uref{http://www.getfirefox.com/, Mozilla Firefox}, and
536 @uref{http://www.wesnoth.org/, Battle for Wesnoth}. Having
537 benefitted from these projects, some developers want to @qq{give
538 back} to the community.
541 Work experience: contributing to free software projects is a great way to
542 practice programming, documentation writing, documentation translation,
543 or design. This experience has helped some developers gain job offers
553 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
554 @subheading Where now?
556 Still not convinced? Read our extensive essay about our engraving
557 philosophy in @ref{Background}. If you've already decided to try
558 LilyPond, first read about our @ref{Text input}.
563 @unnumberedsec Background
565 @divClass{column-center-top}
566 @subheading Background essay
568 We have an extensive essay describing computational aesthetics:
569 the art of creating beauty with a computer.
571 This is interesting reading if you are interested in an in-depth
572 discussion of our fundamental ideas. Due to its volume the
573 essay is available as a "manual". If you would like to read
574 it now, please progress to @ref{Essay}. However, if you just
575 want a quick introduction to LilyPond, you might skip it for now.
578 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
579 @subheading Where now?
581 Still not convinced? Read about some of our users'
582 @ref{Productions} and sheet music. If you've already decided to
583 try LilyPond, first read about our @ref{Text input}.
588 @unnumberedsec Productions
590 @divClass{column-center-top}
592 @subheading Productions using LilyPond
594 Here you can read about people who actually use LilyPond
595 in their productions, be it for performances of their
596 music or as published scores.
600 @divClass{column-left-top}
603 LilyPond engravings have been used for performances around the world.
606 @divClass{keep-bullets}
610 @uref{http://www.aurelienbello.com/,Aurélien Bello} has arranged a
611 version of Richard Strauss's @emph{Der Rosenkavalier} for four singers
612 and a chamber orchestra of thirteen players. This has been commissioned
613 by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra whose members will be the performers on
614 @uref{http://www.festspielhaus.de/veranstaltung/der-kleine-rosenkavalier-02-04-2015-1100/,April 2nd and 6th}
615 at the Festspielhaus, Baden-Baden, and on
616 @uref{http://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/konzerte/kalender/details/21070/,April 26th}
617 in the @emph{Philharmonie (großer Saal)}, Berlin. We are pleased to see
618 musicians of such reputation playing from LilyPond scores -- and they are
619 reportedly very happy with them.
621 Aurélien has also re-orchestrated @emph{Der Ring des Nibelungen} by Richard
623 @uref{http://www.rsb-online.de/content/konzerte/wagnerzyklus-10-13/wagner-fuer-kinder/index_ger.html,100-minute version for children}.
624 Written for a standard symphony orchestra, but with a reduced cast of
625 singers, it was performed by the @emph{Radio-Sinfonieorchester Berlin}
626 in April 2014 at the Atze Musiktheater, Berlin. The Conductor was Heiko
630 Joe Smeets created sheet music for the children's book @emph{Zing Mee}
631 (@emph{Sing along}) by Annie M.G. published by Querido -- ISBN
633 @uref{http://www.queridokinderenjeugdboeken.nl/web/Boek.htm?dbid=18954&typeofpage=134707, www.queridokinderenjeugdboeken.nl}; choir
634 rehearsal scores for the Dutch translation of Benjamin Britten's
635 @emph{Saint Nicolas} performed by @emph{Muziektheater Hollands Diep} in
637 @uref{http://www.muziektheaterhollandsdiep.nl/nl/voorstellingen/sint_nicolaas_leeft, www.muziektheaterhollandsdiep.nl}.
638 He has also worked on the score and parts for an arrangement of
639 Moussurgsky’s @emph{Boris Godounov} for wind quartet, piano and
640 percussion which was performed in 2014, again by
641 @emph{Muziektheater Hollands Diep}.
644 A critical edition of Tommaso Traetta's @emph{Enea nel Lazio (1760)},
645 opera series with libretto by Vittorio Amedeo Cigna-Santi, in four
647 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1987651/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_1_4_, Part One}
648 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1994533/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_2_4_, Part Two}
649 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1994558/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_3_4_, Part Three}
650 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1996242/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_4_4_, Part Four}
652 @uref{http://unito.academia.edu/LucaRossettoCasel, Luca Rossetto Casel}
653 for his Ph.D. Thesis.
656 Mussorgsky's @emph{Pictures at an exhibition}, was re-orchestrated and
657 conducted by @uref{http://www.aurelienbello.com/,Aurélien Bello} with
658 the @uref{http://www.junge-philharmonie-brandenburg.de/,
659 Junge Philharmonie Brandenburg} in October 2011 and April 2012.
662 @uref{http://www.kierenmacmillan.info/, Kieren MacMillan}, composer and
663 musical director. His many, recent works include; @emph{Go Thy Way},
664 performed by the @uref{http://www.saltlakechoralartists.org/,
665 Salt Lake Choral Artists} in March 2012; The
666 @emph{Just Out of Reach Suite} performed
668 @uref{http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/marshall/x1883873762/Music-duo-Chrysalis-to-perform-at-Marshall-University-on-Jan-19,
669 Chrysalis Duo} ; @emph{thrafsmata} performed in July 2011 by the
670 @uref{http://www.pnme.org/CurrentSeason/PreviousSeasons.html, Pittsburgh
674 @emph{Anonymous Student Compliment or Complaint}, by
675 @uref{http://www.mikesolomon.org, Mike Solomon}, winner chosen from among
676 172 entries from 22 countries of the
677 @uref{http://leftcoastensemble.org, 2011 Left Coast Composition Contest}.
678 Other works include, Norman (age 1) for clarinet solo, performed at the
679 @uref{http://emu.music.ufl.edu/fems_concerts.html, University of Florida}'s
680 Electroacoustic Music Festival (FEMF), October 2010.
683 A modern edition of the @emph{Serenata Erminia} by Alessandro Scarlatti,
684 edited by Thomas Griffin, Musicologist (Rome, Italy). Performed on 22
685 October 2010 in the Galleria of the Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano, Naples,
686 Italy. @uref{http://www.ascarlatti2010.net, Alessandro Scarlatti 2010},
687 in celebration of the composer's 350th birthday.
690 @uref{http://www.mercurybaroque.org, Mercury Baroque}'s performance of
691 Lully's @emph{Armide}, May 15-16, 2009, in Houston, Texas (engraving by
692 @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}).
695 Instrumental excerpts from Rameau's @emph{Hippolyte et Aricie} at
696 St. James's Church in Manhattan, May 8, 2009, by Frederick Renz
697 and his ensemble @uref{http://www.earlymusicny.org/, Early Music
698 New York} (engraving by
699 @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}).
702 @emph{Affaire étrangère}, an opera by
703 @uref{http://valentin.villenave.net/,Valentin Villenave}
704 to a French libretto by
705 @uref{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Trondheim, Lewis
706 Trondheim}, premiered February 1, 2009 at
707 @uref{http://www.orchestre-montpellier.com/, L'Opéra National de
708 Montpellier}, France.
716 @divClass{column-right-top}
717 @subheading Published sheet music
719 @divClass{keep-bullets}
723 @uref{http://www.mutopiaproject.org/index.html, Mutopia Project},
724 over 1500 pieces of classical sheet music for free download, and
725 the main showcase of LilyPond scores.
727 @c don't make this "Mutopia" a link, since that looks silly.
729 @uref{http://etudeapp.com, Etude}, @qq{sheet music on steroids} is
730 an iPhone app which displays piano music engraved with LilyPond,
731 including many pieces from Mutopia. The app includes a virtual
732 piano keyboard showing which keys to press to help beginners learn
733 how to read sheet music.
736 @uref{http://www.adoromusicpub.com/, Adoro Music Publishing},
737 high-quality scores of sacred music, available for immediate
738 download or in traditional paper format.
741 @uref{http://www.shadylane.fr, The Shady Lane Publishing},
742 a @qq{micro musical publishing house} whose goal is to promote a
743 new form of musical economy closer to the musicians and music
752 @contactUsAbout{concerts or sheet music}
754 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
755 @subheading Where now?
757 Still not convinced? Read some of our users' @ref{Reviews}.
758 If you've already decided to try LilyPond, first read about our
762 @c TRANSLATORS, so far it's mostly from
763 @c http://lilypond.org/web/switch/testimonials
766 @unnumberedsec Reviews
768 @divClass{column-center-top}
769 @subheading What do people say about LilyPond?
774 @divClass{column-left-top}
775 @subheading Published articles
777 @divClass{keep-bullets}
783 @uref{http://www.linux-magazine.com,Linux Magazine} publishes an
785 @uref{http://www.linux-magazine.com/w3/issue/126/088-090_projects.pdf,
786 Projects on the Move}. It is an introductory article on MuseScore,
787 LilyPond and Chordii. Author Carla Schroder states @qq{LilyPond is
788 driven from the command line, but don’t let the lack of a GUI scare
789 you away; LilyPond is user-friendly and easy to learn}, and provides
795 Peter Kirn, on the Create Digital Music website, publishes a
796 @uref{http://createdigitalmusic.com/2010/05/14/lilypond-free-beautiful-music-notation-engraving-for-anyone/,LilyPond
797 review}. He takes a balanced view on usage, praises LilyPond's
798 high-quality notation and suggests to try it out.
803 The German LinuxUser magazine wrote an
804 @uref{http://www.linux-community.de/Internal/Artikel/Print-Artikel/LinuxUser/2009/10/Digitaler-Notenschluessel,
805 article about LilyPond}.
811 @uref{http://www.polyphonic.org/article.php?id=188, Polyphonic.org}
812 website, presents comments by two orchestra librarians who
813 talk about using software to maintain their libraries.
818 In an @uref{http://news.lilynet.net/Free-Music-Now, article}
819 published in the French @emph{National Conservatory Parent
820 Association}'s yearly magazine, French composer and LilyPond
821 contributor Valentin Villenave explains how Free licenses, and
822 specifically LilyPond-engraved scores, are instrumental in
823 making written music accessible to all.
828 In @uref{http://www.musicbyandrew.ca/finale-lilypond-1.html,
829 articles on his personal site}, Andrew Hawryluk compares Finale
830 and LilyPond in general terms, and evaluates engraving
831 capabilities of both pieces of software in detail. The second
832 article is an instructive analysis of engraving issues in
833 Rachmaninoff's Piano Prelude No. 6, including comparisons with a
834 hand-engraved reference edition.
839 @uref{http://distrowatch.com,DistroWatch} awards LilyPond and
840 @uref{http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20060605,writes}
841 @qq{Ladies and Gentleman, we are pleased to announce that, based
842 on readers' requests, the DistroWatch May 2006 donation has been
843 awarded to LilyPond (@euro{}190.00) and Lua (US$250.00).}
848 @uref{http://linuxjournal.com,Linux Journal} publishes an article
849 titled @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8364, Make
850 Stunning Schenker Graphs with GNU LilyPond}. It is an in-depth
851 but hands-on feature article with crisp LilyPond graphics. Author
852 Kris Shaffer remarks @qq{GNU LilyPond generates beautiful graphics
853 that make commercial alternatives seem second-rate.}
858 The Belgian newspaper De Standaard investigates what drives Free
859 Software authors in an article titled
860 @uref{http://www.standaard.be/Artikel/Detail.aspx?artikelId=G42H5GD6,
861 Delen van KENNIS zonder WINSTBEJAG} (Non-profit sharing of
862 knowlegde) in its @q{DS2 bijlage}. LilyPond is used as an example
863 and the article is interspersed with quotes from an email
864 interview with Jan Nieuwenhuizen. This marks LilyPond's first
865 appearance in mainstream printed press.
870 A French article on the LilyPond 2.6 release appeared on
871 @uref{http://linuxfr.org/2005/06/27/19210.html, linuxfr.org}.
876 The editors of Computer!Totaal, a Dutch computer magazine,
877 @uref{http://lilypond.org/website/pdf/computer-totaal.jpeg,
878 describe LilyPond} in the October 2004 issue as: @qq{Wonderful
879 free (open source) software [@dots{}] The sheet music produced by
880 LilyPond is exceptionally pretty [@dots{}] a very powerful system that
881 can do almost anything.}
886 Dave Phillips wrote an introductory article for
887 @uref{http://linuxjournal.com,Linux Journal}: At
888 the sounding edge: LilyPond, parts
889 @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7657, one} and
890 @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7719, two}.
896 @uref{http://www.all-day-breakfast.com/cannam/linux-musician/lilypond.html,interviewed}
897 Han-Wen Nienhuys and Jan Nieuwenhuizen on linuxmusician.com
898 (original site defunct). This interview was also reviewed in a
899 @uref{http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/03/13/2054227&tid=,
905 Jazz singer Gail Selkirk writes about
906 @uref{http://www.songbirdofswing.com/editorial_page/lilypond/,
907 Diving into LilyPond}. @qq{@dots{} you can make lead sheets or full
908 orchestral parts, and the results can be stunning.}
909 @uref{http://www.computermusic.co.uk/, Computer Music Special},
918 @divClass{column-right-top}
919 @subheading User testimonials
921 @divClass{testimonial-item}
922 @imageFloat{carter-brey,jpg, right}
923 @subsubheading @uref{http://nyphil.org/meet/orchestra/index.cfm?page=profile&personNum=7, Carter Brey}, Principal Cellist, New York Philharmonic
925 @qq{@dots{} I've written a couple of encore pieces for solo cello
926 which I've printed with LilyPond and which I'm going to submit to
927 Schirmer for publication. I'll bet their engraved version wouldn't
928 look half as sharp as mine!}
932 @divClass{testimonial-item}
933 @imageFloat{orm-finnendahl,jpg, left}
934 @subsubheading @uref{http://icem-www.folkwang-hochschule.de/~finnendahl/, Orm Finnendahl}, professor of Composition, Musikhochschule Freiburg
936 @qq{Although I don't know [LilyPond] very well yet, I'm
937 @strong{*very} impressed. I used the program to input a motet of
938 Josquin Desprez in mensural notation and there's no doubt that
939 lilypond outscores all other notation programs easily concerning
940 speed, ease of use and look!}
944 @divClass{testimonial-item}
945 @imageFloat{darius-blasband,jpg, right}
946 @subsubheading Darius Blasband, composer (Brussels, Belgium)
948 @qq{[..after the first orchestra rehearsal] I got numerous
949 compliments about the quality of the scores. Even more
950 importantly, while LilyPond provides numerous hacks to improve the
951 way its scores look, what the orchestra got from me is basically
952 the raw, untouched output.}
956 @divClass{testimonial-item}
957 @subsubheading Kieren MacMillan, composer (Toronto, Canada)
959 @qq{thanks and kudos to the development team for their incredible
960 work. I've never seen anything approaching the output that I get
961 from LilyPond -- I'm totally confident that my music publishing
962 needs will be fulfilled beyond my expectations using this great
963 application. [@dots{}] basically untweaked LilyPond output
964 [@dots{}] looks better than most recent @q{professional}
965 publications I've compared it to (q.v., just about any Warner
966 Bros. score, and even many of the most recent by @q{the old
967 houses}). [@dots{}]} @qq{Beat that, Finale/Sibelius/Igor/whatever!!!}
971 @divClass{testimonial-item}
972 @subsubheading Chris Cannam, lead programmer of the @uref{http://www.rosegardenmusic.com/, RoseGarden} project
974 @qq{LilyPond is obviously the zillion-ton gorilla [of great music
979 @divClass{testimonial-item}
980 @subsubheading Chris Snyder, @uref{http://www.adoromusicpub.com/, Adoro Music Publishing}
982 @qq{The way that music is entered for LilyPond causes me to think in a
983 more musical way -- there have been times when I've been stumped as
984 to how to tell Lily to engrave something, only to realize that
985 even if I did get it exactly as the composer wanted, the music
986 would be confusing to read. LilyPond makes it much easier for me
987 to work in my dual editor+engraver role.}
989 @qq{I've been using LilyPond exclusively for my fledgling music
990 publishing business. Virtually without exception, every composer
991 has been blown away by the quality of the engraving when presented
992 with the proofs of their music about to be published. I deserve
993 some of the credit for this -- I spend a lot of time tweaking
994 output, especially ties (mainly in chords) -- but LilyPond gives
995 me an excellent starting point, a very intuitive interface, and
996 the ability to modify absolutely anything if I want to take the
997 time. I'm convinced that no commercial product can come close.}
1001 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1002 @subsubheading David Bobroff, Bass Trombone, Iceland Symphony Orchestra
1004 @qq{I think LilyPond is great [@dots{}] The more I learn about LilyPond
1005 the more I like it!}
1009 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1010 @subsubheading Vaylor Trucks, Electric guitar player (Yes, @uref{http://www.allmanbrothersband.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=userpage&file=content&page_id=12, related to})
1012 @qq{I am super impressed with LilyPond [@dots{}]}
1014 @qq{THIS IS THE BEST PROGRAM EVER!!!}
1016 @qq{Thank you all SO MUCH for your hard work and dedication!}
1020 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1021 @subsubheading @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}, @uref{http://www.mutopiaproject.org/, Mutopia} contributor
1023 @qq{I had a kind of hate-passion relationship with it. Passion
1024 because the first score I saw was so amazing! The description of
1025 LilyPond lies about its beautifulness, it is too modest! [@dots{}] as
1026 LilyPond is getting always better, and as I look closer how things
1027 are done in scheme, I have less and less frustrations. Anyway,
1028 what I mean is: thank you for providing LilyPond, it is really
1033 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1034 @subsubheading @uref{http://www.troff.org/whoswho.html#werner, Werner Lemberg}, Conductor at the Theatre in Koblenz, Germany and distinguished GNU Hacker
1036 @qq{Anyway, LilyPond does an amazingly good job!}
1040 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1041 @subsubheading Paul Davis, developer of @uref{http://jackaudio.org/, JACK} and @uref{http://www.ardour.org/, Ardour}
1043 @qq{I think [LilyPond is] an incredible program, and it produces
1044 wonderful, wonderful output. when i read an interview about it
1045 last year, i was raving to several friends of mine about its
1050 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1051 @subsubheading @uref{http://webusers.siba.fi/~mkuuskan/, Dr. Mika Kuuskankare}, researcher at the @uref{http://siba.fi, Sibelius Academy Finland}, composer and author of Expressive Notation Package (ENP)
1053 @qq{I have the deepest respect towards LilyPond and towards its creators
1054 and maintainers as I know from personal experience how difficult this
1055 kind of software can be.}
1059 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1060 @subsubheading @uref{http://camerondh.blogspot.com, David Cameron}, Musician, professional typesetter and long time SCORE user
1062 @qq{My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to this project. I
1063 was a power SCORE user for big typesetting houses way back in the '90s,
1064 but I feel LilyPond finally makes it possible for me to get exactly what
1065 I want on the page, especially when it isn't "standard" practice.}
1070 @contactUsAbout{news articles or testimonals}
1072 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1073 @subheading Where now?
1075 Read about our @ref{Text input}.
1081 @unnumberedsec Text input
1083 @c TRANSLATORS, so far it's mostly from
1084 @c http://lilypond.org/web/switch/howto
1086 @divClass{column-center-top}
1087 @subheading @qq{Compiling} Music
1089 @imageClickable{nereid-shot-small,png, (click to enlarge), nereid-shot,png, right}
1091 LilyPond is a @emph{compiled} system: it is run on a text file
1092 describing the music. The resulting output is viewed on-screen or
1093 printed. In some ways, LilyPond is more similar to a programming
1094 language than graphical score editing software.
1096 You do not write music by dragging notes from a graphical toolbar
1097 and placing them on a dynamically refreshing score; you write
1098 music by typing text. This text is interpreted (or @qq{compiled})
1099 by LilyPond, which produces beautifully engraved sheet music.
1101 People accustomed to graphical user interfaces might need to learn
1102 a new way of working, but the results are definitely worth it!
1104 @warning{We present a quick overview of our text input -- it's not
1105 as complicated as it sounds! Don't worry about understanding
1106 every detail in these examples; our beginner documentation covers
1107 everything at a much more gradual pace.}
1110 @subsubheading It's as simple as A B C
1112 Notes are encoded with letters and numbers. Special commands are
1113 entered with backslashes.
1115 @imageFloat{text-input-1-annotate,png,center}
1116 @imageFloat{text-input-1-output,png,center}
1118 Alterations are made with different names: add @w{@code{-is}} for
1119 sharp, and @w{@code{-es}} for flat (these are Dutch note names, other
1120 languages are available). LilyPond figures out where to put
1123 @imageFloat{text-input-2-annotate,png,center}
1124 @imageFloat{text-input-2-output,png,center}
1127 @subsubheading Pop music
1129 Put chords and lyrics together to get a lead sheet:
1131 @imageFloat{text-input-pop-annotate,png,center}
1132 @imageFloat{text-input-pop-output,png,center}
1136 @subsubheading Orchestral parts
1138 The input file contains the notes of piece of music. Score and
1139 parts can be made from a single input file, so that changing a
1140 note always affects the score and parts. To be able to include
1141 the same music in multiple places, the music is assigned to a
1142 @qq{variable} (a name).
1144 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-both-annotate,png,center}
1147 This variable is then used in a single part (here transposed, with
1148 condensed rests spanning several measures):
1150 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-single-annotate,png,center}
1151 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-single-output,png,center}
1154 The same variable is used in the full score (here in concert
1157 @imageFloat{text-input-score-annotate,png,center}
1158 @imageFloat{text-input-score-output,png,center}
1161 @subsubheading Beginner Documentation
1163 We realize that many users find this way of entering music a bit
1164 odd. For this reason, we have written extensive documentation to
1165 help new users, beginning with @ref{Learning}. The Learning
1166 Manual is the best place to start, as many questions are answered
1167 before they come up!
1169 Occasionally new users are unnecessarily confused by some aspects
1170 of LilyPond's behaviour. Please read this manual before doubting
1171 whether LilyPond is working correctly.
1173 More in-depth information is available in @ref{Manuals}.
1175 Ben Lemon, a LilyPond user, has created a range of
1176 @uref{http://benlemon.me/blog/music/lilypond/operation-lilypond/,video tutorials}
1177 on his blog and which are aimed at new users.
1180 @subsubheading Easier editing environments
1182 @imageClickable{lilykde-screenshot-small,png,
1183 (click to enlarge),lilykde-screenshot,png,right}
1185 LilyPond is primarily concerned with producing top-quality
1186 engraved sheet music; creating a Graphical User Interface (GUI)
1187 would distract us from this goal. However, there are other
1188 projects aimed at making it easier to create LilyPond input files.
1190 Some editing environments include syntax highlighting, automatic
1191 command completion, and pre-made templates. Other programs
1192 actually provide a GUI which allows direct manipulation of a
1193 graphical score. For more information, see @ref{Easier editing}.
1197 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1198 @subheading Where now?
1200 You are now ready to @ref{Download, Download LilyPond}. Still not
1201 convinced? Read about @ref{Easier editing}.
1206 @node Easier editing
1207 @unnumberedsec Easier editing
1210 GNU policy forbids us from linking to non-Free software, so don't
1213 In particular, don't link to:
1214 - the LilyPond bundle for TextMate (a commercial editor for MacOS).
1218 @divClass{column-center-top}
1219 @subheading Front-end Applications
1220 @subsubheading Frescobaldi
1222 @imageClickable{frescobaldi-lilypond-editor-small,png,
1223 (click to enlarge),frescobaldi-lilypond-editor,png,right}
1225 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1226 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1227 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1229 @uref{http://www.frescobaldi.org}
1231 Frescobaldi is a lightweight, yet powerful, music and text editor
1232 with many features added and enhanced particularly for LilyPond. Major
1233 features include point-and-click links between the code and music views,
1234 detailed score wizards, built in LilyPond documentation browser, syntax
1235 highlighting and automatic completion. Frescobaldi is written in
1236 Python, with PyQt4 for its user interface, and will run on all major
1237 operating systems (GNU/Linux, Mac OS X and Windows).
1239 @subsubheading Denemo
1241 @imageClickable{screenshot-denemo-small,png,
1242 (click to enlarge),screenshot-denemo,png,right}
1244 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1245 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1246 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1248 @uref{http://denemo.org}
1250 Denemo is a graphical editor which generates LilyPond source code,
1251 and also allows audio playback. It allows users to view the
1252 LilyPond source code in parallel to the graphical view. Extra
1253 LilyPond tweaks can be attached to notes, chords etc. and are stored
1254 with the Denemo file, so that users can continue to edit graphically.
1256 Moving the cursor in the LilyPond text moves the cursor in the graphical
1257 view, and any syntax errors in your LilyPond tweaks are highlighted in
1258 the text view when printed from there.
1262 @divClass{column-center-top}
1263 @subheading Browser-based editors
1265 @subsubheading LilyBin
1266 @uref{http://lilybin.com}
1268 A web-based LilyPond editor where you can typeset your scores directly
1269 online without needing to install LilyPond.
1271 @subsubheading Tunefl
1272 @uref{http://www.tunefl.com}
1274 With tunefl, you can typeset your mini-scores directly online without
1275 needing to install LilyPond locally. It allows trying out all the
1276 program's features using a convenient web interface.
1280 @divClass{column-center-top}
1281 @subheading IDE Plug-ins
1283 @subsubheading Elysium
1285 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1286 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1287 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1288 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1290 @uref{http://elysium.thsoft.hu}
1292 Elysium is a LilyPond IDE for Eclipse with an integrated, side-by-side
1293 view for source and score. It includes rapid visual & auditive feedback
1294 without having to switch contexts, and comes with many wizard-driven
1299 @divClass{column-center-top}
1300 @subheading Text editors
1302 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1303 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1304 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1305 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1307 @subsubheading Emacs
1308 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/}
1309 Emacs is a text editor with language-sensitive capabilities for many
1310 different computer languages. Emacs is a highly extensible editor and
1311 can be used as an Integrated Development Environment. There is a
1312 @q{lilypond mode} which supplies the language definitions for working
1313 with LilyPond source files. A developer has written
1314 @uref{https://github.com/nsceaux/lyqi,lyqi}, an Emacs major mode.
1316 If you are not already familiar with Emacs then you may probably prefer
1317 to use a different editor for writing LilyPond input files.
1319 More information on setting up Emacs can be found in
1320 @rprogram{Text editor support}.
1323 @uref{http://www.vim.org}
1324 Vim is a minimal text editor and is an extension of the older Unix
1325 @command{vi} editor. It is also extensible and configurable.
1327 If you are not already familiar with Vi then you may probably prefer
1328 to use a different editor for writing LilyPond input files.
1330 More information on setting up Vim can be found in
1331 @rprogram{Text editor support}.
1333 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1334 @subsubheading TeXShop
1335 @uref{http://www.uoregon.edu/~koch/texshop}
1337 The TeXShop editor for MacOS@tie{}X can be extended to run LilyPond,
1338 @command{lilypond-book} and @command{convert-ly} from within the editor,
1339 using the extensions available at:
1342 @uref{http://users.dimi.uniud.it/~nicola.vitacolonna/home/content/lilypond-scripts}
1347 @divClass{column-center-top}
1348 @subheading Other programs that can export LilyPond code
1350 @subsubheading Score, tab and MIDI editors:
1355 @uref{http://www.jezra.net/projects/bwwtolily,bwwtolily} attempts to
1356 convert a @code{.bww} or @code{.bmw} file to LilyPond. While not all of
1357 the embellishments may get converted properly (this is especially true
1358 with piobaireachd), the program will list them.
1361 @uref{http://www.canorus.org,Canorus}, a score editor, can also export
1362 to LilyPond, but is still beta-software. Testers are welcome, though.
1365 @uref{http://enc2ly.sourceforge.net/en/,Enc2ly} is a GNU/Linux program
1366 which converts an Encore music score into a LilyPond one.
1369 @uref{https://github.com/hanwen/go-enc2ly,go-enc2ly} is a Go tool that
1370 converts Encore files to LilyPond. It was created using Felipe Castro's
1371 research and reverse engineering by tweaking existing .enc files and
1372 loading them using the 4.55 demo version.
1375 @uref{http://vsr.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/staff/jan/nted/nted.xhtml,NtEd},
1376 a score editor based on the @uref{http://www.cairographics.org,Cairo}
1377 library, it has experimental support for exporting to LilyPond.
1380 @uref{http://www.holmessoft.co.uk/homepage/software/NWC2LY/index.htm,NW2LY}
1381 is a C# program which converts a NoteWorthy composer song into LilyPond.
1384 @uref{https://github.com/ciconia/ripple/blob/master/README.markdown,Ripple}
1385 is a program that helps create scores and parts, including a mode for
1386 mixing different musical works together in a single score or part.
1389 @uref{http://www.rosegardenmusic.com,Rosegarden}, an audio and MIDI
1390 sequencer, which also has a score editor for single-staff editing.
1394 @subsubheading Algorithmic code generators
1399 @uref{http://www.projectabjad.org/,Abjad}, a
1400 @uref{http://www.python.org/,Python} API for Formalized Score Control
1401 designed to help composers build up complex pieces of LilyPond notation
1402 in an iterative and incremental way.
1405 @uref{http://common-lisp.net/project/fomus/,FOMUS}, (FOrmat MUSic) is a
1406 music notation tool for computer music composers. It is written in the
1407 Lisp programming language, and has been tested in a variety of
1408 interpreters. A C++ port is also available.
1411 @uref{http://strasheela.sourceforge.net/strasheela/doc/index.html,Strasheela},
1412 an environment built on top of the
1413 @uref{http://www.mozart-oz.org/, Mozart/Oz} constraint programming
1419 @divClass{column-center-top}
1421 @subheading Other programs no longer being actively developed
1426 @uref{https://sourceforge.net/projects/lily4jedit,LilyPondTool} was
1427 created as a plugin for the @uref{http://www.jedit.org,jEdit} text
1431 @uref{http://lilykde.googlecode.com/,LilyKDE} has been replaced by
1432 @uref{http://www.frescobaldi.org/,Frescobaldi}, and exists as LilyKDE3
1433 for KDE 3.5 and lilypond-KDE4 for KDE 4.1 only.
1436 @uref{http://lilycomp.sourceforge.net, LilyComp} is a graphical note
1437 entry program, acting much like a number-pad which produces LilyPond
1441 @uref{http://www.musescore.org,MuseScore}, a score editor. LilyPond
1442 export was dropped in version 2.0 but earlier versions are still
1443 available for download at
1444 @uref{http://sourceforge.net/projects/mscore/files/mscore/,Sourceforge}.
1447 @uref{http://noteedit.berlios.de,NoteEdit}, which imported
1448 @uref{http://www.makemusic.com/musicxml,MusicXML}, has been forked into
1449 @uref{http://vsr.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/staff/jan/nted/nted.xhtml,NtEd}
1450 and @uref{http://canorus.org,Canorus}.
1453 @uref{http://extensions.services.openoffice.org/en/project/OOoLilyPond,OOoLilypond},
1454 an OpenOffice.org extension that converts LilyPond files it into images
1455 within OpenOffice.org documents. Although this is no longer being
1456 developed, it appears to still work with version 4.
1459 @uref{https://launchpad.net/rumor/,Rumor}, a realtime monophonic
1460 MIDI-to-LilyPond converter.
1463 @uref{http://sourceforge.net/projects/tuxguitar/,TuxGuitar}, a
1464 multitrack tablature editor and player, includes a score viewer and can
1472 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1473 @subheading Where now?
1475 You are now ready to @ref{Download, Download LilyPond}.
1477 Still not convinced? Many composers, musicians, and conductors
1478 have learned how to write music in our input format. Experienced
1479 users even report that they can enter a full score in LilyPond
1480 faster than with a piano keyboard or mouse+GUI! Perhaps you would
1481 like to review the @ref{Features}, @ref{Examples}, or the
1482 @ref{Freedom} that LilyPond provides, or read about users'
1483 @ref{Productions} and @ref{Reviews}. In addition, our
1484 approach to the computational aesthetics of classical engraving is
1485 explained in our @ref{Background}.
1490 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1491 @subheading Legalese
1494 All logos and product images are copyright and trademark