1 @c -*- coding: utf-8; mode: texinfo; -*-
3 Translation of GIT committish: FILL-IN-HEAD-COMMITTISH
5 When revising a translation, copy the HEAD committish of the
6 version that you are working on. For details, see the Contributors'
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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 and LibreOffice with
182 @uref{http://extensions.services.openoffice.org/en/project/OOoLilyPond,OOoLilypond}.
183 Plugins are also available to allow LilyPond code in various blogs and
184 wikis, making online collaboration possible.
187 @subsubheading Accessibility
189 Text-based input also makes score-writing possible for users with
190 severe physical disabilities. Dexterity-impaired users who are
191 unable to type or control a computer mouse can use
192 speech-recognition software to edit LilyPond files. Even users
193 who are totally blind can use screen-reading software to write
194 LilyPond files -- an impossible task in graphical-based
195 score-writing programs.
196 You can see a spectacular score on @ref{Examples}.
198 @subsubheading Editor diversity
200 Several developers, themselves active LilyPond users,
201 have written tools specifically aimed at making the process of editing
202 LilyPond files faster and more effective; you are not tied to
203 a single user interface but can use different tools for different tasks.
204 You can even use a full-fledged LilyPond editor at home and use your
205 mobile phone's notepad app to edit the files on the go. For some examples,
206 see @ref{Easier editing}.
207 @c TODO: Change this when the new pages have been written and pushed
212 @divClass{column-center-top}
214 @subheading Extensible design
216 @subsubheading Easy management of style sheets
218 All layout settings can be changed to suit your personal typographical
219 taste. So you can easily write style sheets that change every aspect of
220 LilyPond scores' default appearance. As these are also written as text
221 and can be stored in separate files you can simply switch between two
222 stylesheets to produce scores with a completely different appearance or
224 You want to print a score on A4 paper and project it with a beamer,
225 one system per page? LilyPond's layout engine will effortlessly produce
226 both from the same input.
228 @subsubheading Add your own functions
230 If that still is not enough, there is always the built-in
231 scripting language Scheme, which can access LilyPond's layout
232 engine at the same level as LilyPond itself does, making it
233 a @emph{very} powerful tool.
234 Settings, variables and functions are all documented in the
235 comprehensive program reference manual.
237 @subsubheading Process scores programmatically
239 LilyPond input files can fully be edited or even generated by programs
240 and scripts. This can for example be used for algorithmical composition.
241 But you can also access the musical content for analysis, or manage
242 input fragments in a database. There are no limitations except your
246 @subsubheading Create new tools using LilyPond
248 As LilyPond isn't a monolithic GUI program but a command line tool it
249 can be used from within other applications too. This way it is possible
250 to equip tools like e.g. web applications with LilyPond's engraving
251 power. There already exist several online tools using LilyPond.
253 @c (TBD: Add a link to the new @ref{Applications} page.
258 @divClass{column-center-top}
260 @subheading Environment
262 @imageFloat{frescobaldi-lilypond-editor-small,png,right}
266 @subsubheading Excellent support
268 LilyPond runs on all popular platforms: GNU/Linux, MacOS X, and
269 Windows. LilyPond comes with extensive documentation and hundreds
270 of example files. There is an active user community answering
271 questions on the lilypond-user mailing list, offering you friendly
272 help. The response time is usually very short, and often brillant
273 solutions to reported problems are developed. Thanks to the close
274 interaction with the development team such solutions are regularly
275 included in LilyPond itself.
276 Read more in @ref{Community}.
279 @subsubheading Free software
281 LilyPond can be downloaded free of charge! Yep - It's free. Get
282 it from the download page.
284 It's also free (as in @qq{speech}) software. It comes with source
285 code, and permission to change and copy it. So, are you irritated
286 by a bug, or yearning for a feature? Simply add it yourself, or
287 pay someone else to do it.
288 Read more on @ref{Freedom}.
291 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
292 @subheading Where now?
294 Still not convinced? Look at some specific @ref{Examples}. If you've
295 already decided to try LilyPond, first read about our
302 @unnumberedsec Examples
304 @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!
313 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
314 @subheading Classical Music
316 This organ work by J.S. Bach is a fairly typical engraving project
319 @exampleImage{bach-bwv610}
323 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
324 @subheading Complex Notation
326 This example from @emph{Goyescas} by Enrique Granados shows some
327 of the more advanced features of typesetting, including kneed
328 beams, cross-staff stems, and voice-follow lines.
330 @exampleImage{granados}
334 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
335 @subheading Early Music
337 LilyPond also supports various types of ancient notation, such
338 as this passage of Gregorian chant.
340 @exampleImage{ancient-headword}
344 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
345 @subheading Modern Music
347 Contemporary composers find LilyPond well-suited to displaying
348 unusual notation. Here is an excerpt from Trevor Bača's
349 @emph{Čáry}, for unaccompanied bass flute.
355 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
356 @subheading Efficient, flexible creation of performance materials
358 Various performance materials can be created from the same source
359 code. This is an excerpt of @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/,
360 Nicolas Sceaux's} engraving of Handel's @emph{Giulio Cesare}, in
361 full score, piano-vocal reduction, and a violin part.
363 @exampleImage{sesto-full}
365 @exampleImage{sesto-piano}
367 @exampleImage{sesto-violin}
372 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
373 @subheading Tablature
375 LilyPond supports tablature notation, which can be customized to
376 suit any instrument that reads from tablature. The tablature
377 staff is generated automatically from notes entered for the 5-line
380 @exampleImage{tab-example}
384 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
385 @subheading Vocal Music
387 LilyPond is excellent for vocal music of all kinds, from sacred
388 hymns to opera. Here is a medieval motet with slightly unusual
389 requirements. The tenor voice is written in a different meter
390 than the others, but must line up as if it were in the same meter.
391 LilyPond handles this most elegantly. Note also the incipits with
392 Vaticana style clefs, the slashed stems indicating plicated notes,
393 and the ligature braces above certain groups of notes.
395 @exampleImage{aucun-snippet}
399 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
400 @subheading Lead Sheets
402 It is simple to create lead sheets with melody, lyrics,
403 chord names, and fretboards. In this example you see some of the
404 predefined fretboard diagrams, but these can be heavily customized
405 to suit nearly any situation.
411 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
412 @subheading Educational Applications
414 LilyPond is perfectly suited for educational purposes as well.
415 Here is an example of a simple counterpoint exercise.
417 @exampleImage{theory}
421 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
422 @subheading Large Projects
424 LilyPond is excellent for large projects like operas or works for
425 full symphony orchestra, as well. In addition, the text-based
426 input provides greater accessibility -- this example was
427 contributed by Hu Haipeng, a blind composer.
429 @exampleImage{orchestra}
433 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
434 @subheading Customized Output
436 A short excerpt from Stockhausen's Klavierstück II to demonstrate
437 LilyPond's ability to provide customised output.
439 @exampleImage{Stockhausen_Klavierstueck2}
443 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
444 @subheading Schenker Graphs
446 Standard output can be modified heavily. Here is an impressive
447 Schenkerian analysis, created by Kris Schaffer, for an article
448 in @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8364 , Linux Journal}.
449 The colors have been added for better visibility.
451 @exampleImage{bach-schenker}
455 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
456 @subheading Where now?
458 Still not convinced? LilyPond is Free software, granting you
459 @ref{Freedom}. If you've already decided to try LilyPond, first
460 read about our @ref{Text input}.
465 @unnumberedsec Freedom
467 @divClass{column-center-top}
468 @subheading Free Software
470 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/, GNU} LilyPond is written and maintained
471 by a community of enthusiasts. It is published under the
472 @ref{GPL, GNU General Public License} and the @ref{FDL, GNU Free
473 Documentation License}, giving everybody the freedom to fix,
474 modify, and extend the program. Creating beautiful music should
475 not require hundreds of dollars of software!
479 @c @divClass{column-left-top}
480 @divClass{column-center-middle-color2}
481 @divClass{keep-bullets}
482 @subheading What are the benefits to users?
487 No cost: download and try it out! What do you have to lose?
490 Sharing: if you like the program, give a copy to your friends,
491 teachers, students, and colleagues!
494 Source available: if you are curious about how LilyPond creates
495 some notation, you can see exactly how it is done.
498 Extendible: you can add features, fix bugs, and change the
499 functionality. If you are not a programmer, you can hire somebody
502 This may not seem appealing to casual musicians, but the ability
503 to extend software can be highly valuable to serious composers,
504 companies, and academics.
507 Future safety: if a commercial company goes bankrupt, what happens
508 to any electronic music which depends on their products? This is
509 not a concern with LilyPond; even if the entire development team
510 quits (extremely unlikely), the program will still be legally
511 available for copying, modifications, and distribution.
520 @c @divClass{column-right-top}
521 @divClass{column-center-middle-color3}
522 @divClass{keep-bullets}
523 @subheading Why do LilyPond developers @qq{give away} their work for free?
525 Most of us view LilyPond development as a hobby or volunteer work.
526 So this question is really asking @qq{why do people volunteer}?
531 Fun: working towards a goal can be enjoyable, especially when you
535 Shared goals: we all want beautiful sheet music, but few people
536 have the expertise (and nobody has the time!), to create a program
537 which can handle all situations. By working together -- one
538 person improves the automatic beaming code, another person
539 improves the shape of slurs, and a third person writes
540 documentation explaining how to use these features -- we can
541 achieve our goal with only a fraction of the individual effort.
544 @qq{Gift culture}: the Free Software
545 movement has created many great software projects, such as
546 @uref{http://kernel.org/, GNU/Linux},
547 @uref{http://www.getfirefox.com/, Mozilla Firefox}, and
548 @uref{http://www.wesnoth.org/, Battle for Wesnoth}. Having
549 benefitted from these projects, some developers want to @qq{give
550 back} to the community.
553 Work experience: contributing to free software projects is a great way to
554 practice programming, documentation writing, documentation translation,
555 or design. This experience has helped some developers gain job offers
565 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
566 @subheading Where now?
568 Still not convinced? Read our extensive essay about our engraving
569 philosophy in @ref{Background}. If you've already decided to try
570 LilyPond, first read about our @ref{Text input}.
575 @unnumberedsec Background
577 @divClass{column-center-top}
578 @subheading Background essay
580 We have an extensive essay describing computational aesthetics:
581 the art of creating beauty with a computer.
583 This is interesting reading if you are interested in an in-depth
584 discussion of our fundamental ideas. Due to its volume the
585 essay is available as a "manual". If you would like to read
586 it now, please progress to @ref{Essay}. However, if you just
587 want a quick introduction to LilyPond, you might skip it for now.
590 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
591 @subheading Where now?
593 Still not convinced? Read about some of our users'
594 @ref{Productions} and sheet music. If you've already decided to
595 try LilyPond, first read about our @ref{Text input}.
600 @unnumberedsec Productions
602 @divClass{column-center-top}
604 @subheading Productions using LilyPond
606 Here you can read about people who actually use LilyPond
607 in their productions, be it for performances of their
608 music or as published scores.
612 @divClass{column-left-top}
615 LilyPond engravings have been used for performances around the world.
618 @divClass{keep-bullets}
622 @uref{http://www.aurelienbello.com/,Aurélien Bello} has arranged a
623 version of Richard Strauss's @emph{Der Rosenkavalier} for four singers
624 and a chamber orchestra of thirteen players. This has been commissioned
625 by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra whose members will be the performers on
626 @uref{http://www.festspielhaus.de/veranstaltung/der-kleine-rosenkavalier-02-04-2015-1100/,April 2nd and 6th}
627 at the Festspielhaus, Baden-Baden, and on
628 @uref{http://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/konzerte/kalender/details/21070/,April 26th}
629 in the @emph{Philharmonie (großer Saal)}, Berlin. We are pleased to see
630 musicians of such reputation playing from LilyPond scores -- and they are
631 reportedly very happy with them.
633 Aurélien has also re-orchestrated @emph{Der Ring des Nibelungen} by Richard
635 @uref{http://www.rsb-online.de/content/concerts/new-season-1516/family-concerts-age-7-and-above/index_eng.html,100-minute version for children}.
636 Written for a standard symphony orchestra, but with a reduced cast of
637 singers, it was performed by the
638 @uref{http://www.rsb-online.de/,@emph{Radio-Sinfonieorchester Berlin}}
639 in April 2014 at the Atze Musiktheater, Berlin. The Conductor was Heiko
643 Joe Smeets created sheet music for the children's book @emph{Zing Mee}
644 (@emph{Sing along}) by Annie M.G. published by
645 @uref{http://www.queridokinderenjeugdboeken.nl/, Querido}
646 -- ISBN 9789045106205;
647 choir rehearsal scores for the Dutch translation of Benjamin Britten's
648 @emph{Saint Nicolas} performed by @emph{Muziektheater Hollands Diep} in
650 @uref{http://www.muziektheaterhollandsdiep.nl/nl/voorstellingen/sint_nicolaas_leeft, www.muziektheaterhollandsdiep.nl}.
651 He has also worked on the score and parts for an arrangement of
652 Moussurgsky’s @emph{Boris Godounov} for wind quartet, piano and
653 percussion which was performed in 2014, again by
654 @emph{Muziektheater Hollands Diep}.
657 A critical edition of Tommaso Traetta's @emph{Enea nel Lazio (1760)},
658 opera series with libretto by Vittorio Amedeo Cigna-Santi, in four
660 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1987651/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_1_4_, Part One}
661 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1994533/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_2_4_, Part Two}
662 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1994558/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_3_4_, Part Three}
663 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1996242/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_4_4_, Part Four}
665 @uref{http://unito.academia.edu/LucaRossettoCasel, Luca Rossetto Casel}
666 for his Ph.D. Thesis.
669 Mussorgsky's @emph{Pictures at an exhibition}, was re-orchestrated and
670 conducted by @uref{http://www.aurelienbello.com/,Aurélien Bello} with
671 the @uref{https://junge-philharmonie-brandenburg.de/,
672 Junge Philharmonie Brandenburg} in October 2011 and April 2012.
675 @uref{http://kierenmacmillan.info/, Kieren MacMillan}, composer and
676 musical director. His many, recent works include; @emph{Go Thy Way},
677 performed by the @uref{http://www.saltlakechoralartists.org/,
678 Salt Lake Choral Artists} in March 2012; The
679 @emph{Just Out of Reach Suite} performed
681 @uref{http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/marshall/x1883873762/Music-duo-Chrysalis-to-perform-at-Marshall-University-on-Jan-19,
682 Chrysalis Duo} ; @emph{thrafsmata} performed in July 2011 by the
683 @uref{http://www.pnme.org/, Pittsburgh
687 @emph{Anonymous Student Compliment or Complaint}, by
688 @uref{http://www.mikesolomon.org, Mike Solomon}, winner chosen from among
689 172 entries from 22 countries of the
690 @uref{http://www.leftcoastensemble.org, 2011 Left Coast Composition Contest}.
691 Other works include, Norman (age 1) for clarinet solo, performed at the
692 @uref{http://arts.ufl.edu/academics/music/, University of Florida}'s
693 Electroacoustic Music Festival (FEMF), October 2010.
696 A modern edition of the @emph{Serenata Erminia} by Alessandro Scarlatti,
697 edited by Thomas Griffin, Musicologist (Rome, Italy). Performed on 22
698 October 2010 in the Galleria of the Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano, Naples,
699 Italy. @uref{http://www.ascarlatti2010.net, Alessandro Scarlatti 2010},
700 in celebration of the composer's 350th birthday.
703 @uref{http://www.mercuryhouston.org/, Mercury Baroque}'s performance of
704 Lully's @emph{Armide}, May 15-16, 2009, in Houston, Texas (engraving by
705 @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}).
708 Instrumental excerpts from Rameau's @emph{Hippolyte et Aricie} at
709 St. James's Church in Manhattan, May 8, 2009, by Frederick Renz
710 and his ensemble @uref{http://www.earlymusicny.org/, Early Music
711 New York} (engraving by
712 @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}).
715 @emph{Affaire étrangère}, an opera by
716 @uref{http://valentin.villenave.net/,Valentin Villenave}
717 to a French libretto by
718 @uref{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Trondheim, Lewis
719 Trondheim}, premiered February 1, 2009 at
720 @uref{http://www.orchestre-montpellier.com/, L'Opéra National de
721 Montpellier}, France.
729 @divClass{column-right-top}
730 @subheading Published sheet music
732 @divClass{keep-bullets}
736 @uref{http://www.mutopiaproject.org/index.html, Mutopia Project},
737 over 1500 pieces of classical sheet music for free download, and
738 the main showcase of LilyPond scores.
740 @c don't make this "Mutopia" a link, since that looks silly.
742 @uref{http://etudeapp.com, Etude}, @qq{sheet music on steroids} is
743 an iPhone app which displays piano music engraved with LilyPond,
744 including many pieces from Mutopia. The app includes a virtual
745 piano keyboard showing which keys to press to help beginners learn
746 how to read sheet music.
749 @uref{https://twitter.com/adoromusic, Adoro Music Publishing},
750 high-quality scores of sacred music, available for immediate
751 download or in traditional paper format.
754 @uref{http://matthieujacquot.com/, The Shady Lane Publishing},
755 a @qq{micro musical publishing house} whose goal is to promote a
756 new form of musical economy closer to the musicians and music
765 @contactUsAbout{concerts or sheet music}
767 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
768 @subheading Where now?
770 Still not convinced? Read some of our users' @ref{Reviews}.
771 If you've already decided to try LilyPond, first read about our
775 @c TRANSLATORS, so far it's mostly from
776 @c http://lilypond.org/web/switch/testimonials
779 @unnumberedsec Reviews
781 @divClass{column-center-top}
782 @subheading What do people say about LilyPond?
787 @divClass{column-left-top}
788 @subheading Published articles
790 @divClass{keep-bullets}
796 @uref{http://www.linux-magazine.com,Linux Magazine} publishes an
798 @uref{http://www.linux-magazine.com/content/download/61706/482546/version/1/file/088-090_projects.pdf,
799 Projects on the Move}. It is an introductory article on MuseScore,
800 LilyPond and Chordii. Author Carla Schroder states @qq{LilyPond is
801 driven from the command line, but don’t let the lack of a GUI scare
802 you away; LilyPond is user-friendly and easy to learn}, and provides
808 Peter Kirn, on the Create Digital Music website, publishes a
809 @uref{http://createdigitalmusic.com/2010/05/14/lilypond-free-beautiful-music-notation-engraving-for-anyone/,LilyPond
810 review}. He takes a balanced view on usage, praises LilyPond's
811 high-quality notation and suggests to try it out.
816 The German LinuxUser magazine wrote an
817 @uref{http://www.linux-community.de/Internal/Artikel/Print-Artikel/LinuxUser/2009/10/Digitaler-Notenschluessel,
818 article about LilyPond}.
824 @uref{http://www.polyphonic.org/article.php?id=188, Polyphonic.org}
825 website, presents comments by two orchestra librarians who
826 talk about using software to maintain their libraries.
831 In an @uref{http://web.archive.org/web/20110325004849/http://news.lilynet.net/Free-Music-Now, article}
832 published in the French @emph{National Conservatory Parent
833 Association}'s yearly magazine, French composer and LilyPond
834 contributor Valentin Villenave explains how Free licenses, and
835 specifically LilyPond-engraved scores, are instrumental in
836 making written music accessible to all.
841 In @uref{http://www.musicbyandrew.ca/finale-lilypond-1.html,
842 articles on his personal site}, Andrew Hawryluk compares Finale
843 and LilyPond in general terms, and evaluates engraving
844 capabilities of both pieces of software in detail. The second
845 article is an instructive analysis of engraving issues in
846 Rachmaninoff's Piano Prelude No. 6, including comparisons with a
847 hand-engraved reference edition.
852 @uref{http://distrowatch.com,DistroWatch} awards LilyPond and
853 @uref{http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20060605,writes}
854 @qq{Ladies and Gentleman, we are pleased to announce that, based
855 on readers' requests, the DistroWatch May 2006 donation has been
856 awarded to LilyPond (@euro{}190.00) and Lua (US$250.00).}
861 @uref{http://linuxjournal.com,Linux Journal} publishes an article
862 titled @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8364, Make
863 Stunning Schenker Graphs with GNU LilyPond}. It is an in-depth
864 but hands-on feature article with crisp LilyPond graphics. Author
865 Kris Shaffer remarks @qq{GNU LilyPond generates beautiful graphics
866 that make commercial alternatives seem second-rate.}
871 The Belgian newspaper De Standaard investigates what drives Free
872 Software authors in an article titled
873 @uref{http://www.standaard.be/Artikel/Detail.aspx?artikelId=G42H5GD6,
874 Delen van KENNIS zonder WINSTBEJAG} (Non-profit sharing of
875 knowlegde) in its @q{DS2 bijlage}. LilyPond is used as an example
876 and the article is interspersed with quotes from an email
877 interview with Jan Nieuwenhuizen. This marks LilyPond's first
878 appearance in mainstream printed press.
883 A French article on the LilyPond 2.6 release appeared on
884 @uref{http://linuxfr.org/2005/06/27/19210.html, linuxfr.org}.
889 The editors of Computer!Totaal, a Dutch computer magazine,
890 @uref{http://lilypond.org/website/pdf/computer-totaal.jpeg,
891 describe LilyPond} in the October 2004 issue as: @qq{Wonderful
892 free (open source) software [@dots{}] The sheet music produced by
893 LilyPond is exceptionally pretty [@dots{}] a very powerful system that
894 can do almost anything.}
899 Dave Phillips wrote an introductory article for
900 @uref{http://linuxjournal.com,Linux Journal}: At
901 the sounding edge: LilyPond, parts
902 @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7657, one} and
903 @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7719, two}.
909 @uref{http://www.all-day-breakfast.com/cannam/linux-musician/lilypond.html,interviewed}
910 Han-Wen Nienhuys and Jan Nieuwenhuizen on linuxmusician.com
911 (original site defunct). This interview was also reviewed in a
912 @uref{http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/03/13/2054227&tid=,
918 Jazz singer Gail Selkirk writes about
919 @uref{http://www.songbirdofswing.com/editorial_page/lilypond/,
920 Diving into LilyPond}. @qq{@dots{} you can make lead sheets or full
921 orchestral parts, and the results can be stunning.}
922 @uref{http://www.computermusic.co.uk/, Computer Music Special},
931 @divClass{column-right-top}
932 @subheading User testimonials
934 @divClass{testimonial-item}
935 @imageFloat{carter-brey,jpg, right}
936 @subsubheading @uref{http://nyphil.org/meet/orchestra/index.cfm?page=profile&personNum=7, Carter Brey}, Principal Cellist, New York Philharmonic
938 @qq{@dots{} I've written a couple of encore pieces for solo cello
939 which I've printed with LilyPond and which I'm going to submit to
940 Schirmer for publication. I'll bet their engraved version wouldn't
941 look half as sharp as mine!}
945 @divClass{testimonial-item}
946 @imageFloat{orm-finnendahl,jpg, left}
947 @subsubheading @uref{http://icem-www.folkwang-hochschule.de/~finnendahl/, Orm Finnendahl}, professor of Composition, Musikhochschule Freiburg
949 @qq{Although I don't know [LilyPond] very well yet, I'm
950 @strong{*very} impressed. I used the program to input a motet of
951 Josquin Desprez in mensural notation and there's no doubt that
952 lilypond outscores all other notation programs easily concerning
953 speed, ease of use and look!}
957 @divClass{testimonial-item}
958 @imageFloat{darius-blasband,jpg, right}
959 @subsubheading Darius Blasband, composer (Brussels, Belgium)
961 @qq{[..after the first orchestra rehearsal] I got numerous
962 compliments about the quality of the scores. Even more
963 importantly, while LilyPond provides numerous hacks to improve the
964 way its scores look, what the orchestra got from me is basically
965 the raw, untouched output.}
969 @divClass{testimonial-item}
970 @subsubheading Kieren MacMillan, composer (Toronto, Canada)
972 @qq{thanks and kudos to the development team for their incredible
973 work. I've never seen anything approaching the output that I get
974 from LilyPond -- I'm totally confident that my music publishing
975 needs will be fulfilled beyond my expectations using this great
976 application. [@dots{}] basically untweaked LilyPond output
977 [@dots{}] looks better than most recent @q{professional}
978 publications I've compared it to (q.v., just about any Warner
979 Bros. score, and even many of the most recent by @q{the old
980 houses}). [@dots{}]} @qq{Beat that, Finale/Sibelius/Igor/whatever!!!}
984 @divClass{testimonial-item}
985 @subsubheading Chris Cannam, lead programmer of the @uref{http://www.rosegardenmusic.com/, RoseGarden} project
987 @qq{LilyPond is obviously the zillion-ton gorilla [of great music
992 @divClass{testimonial-item}
993 @subsubheading Chris Snyder, @uref{https://twitter.com/adoromusic, Adoro Music Publishing}
995 @qq{The way that music is entered for LilyPond causes me to think in a
996 more musical way -- there have been times when I've been stumped as
997 to how to tell Lily to engrave something, only to realize that
998 even if I did get it exactly as the composer wanted, the music
999 would be confusing to read. LilyPond makes it much easier for me
1000 to work in my dual editor+engraver role.}
1002 @qq{I've been using LilyPond exclusively for my fledgling music
1003 publishing business. Virtually without exception, every composer
1004 has been blown away by the quality of the engraving when presented
1005 with the proofs of their music about to be published. I deserve
1006 some of the credit for this -- I spend a lot of time tweaking
1007 output, especially ties (mainly in chords) -- but LilyPond gives
1008 me an excellent starting point, a very intuitive interface, and
1009 the ability to modify absolutely anything if I want to take the
1010 time. I'm convinced that no commercial product can come close.}
1014 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1015 @subsubheading David Bobroff, Bass Trombone, Iceland Symphony Orchestra
1017 @qq{I think LilyPond is great [@dots{}] The more I learn about LilyPond
1018 the more I like it!}
1022 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1023 @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})
1025 @qq{I am super impressed with LilyPond [@dots{}]}
1027 @qq{THIS IS THE BEST PROGRAM EVER!!!}
1029 @qq{Thank you all SO MUCH for your hard work and dedication!}
1033 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1034 @subsubheading @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}, @uref{http://www.mutopiaproject.org/, Mutopia} contributor
1036 @qq{I had a kind of hate-passion relationship with it. Passion
1037 because the first score I saw was so amazing! The description of
1038 LilyPond lies about its beautifulness, it is too modest! [@dots{}] as
1039 LilyPond is getting always better, and as I look closer how things
1040 are done in scheme, I have less and less frustrations. Anyway,
1041 what I mean is: thank you for providing LilyPond, it is really
1046 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1047 @subsubheading @uref{http://www.troff.org/whoswho.html#werner, Werner Lemberg}, Conductor at the Theatre in Koblenz, Germany and distinguished GNU Hacker
1049 @qq{Anyway, LilyPond does an amazingly good job!}
1053 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1054 @subsubheading Paul Davis, developer of @uref{http://jackaudio.org/, JACK} and @uref{http://www.ardour.org/, Ardour}
1056 @qq{I think [LilyPond is] an incredible program, and it produces
1057 wonderful, wonderful output. when i read an interview about it
1058 last year, i was raving to several friends of mine about its
1063 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1064 @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)
1066 @qq{I have the deepest respect towards LilyPond and towards its creators
1067 and maintainers as I know from personal experience how difficult this
1068 kind of software can be.}
1072 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1073 @subsubheading @uref{http://camerondh.blogspot.com, David Cameron}, Musician, professional typesetter and long time SCORE user
1075 @qq{My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to this project. I
1076 was a power SCORE user for big typesetting houses way back in the '90s,
1077 but I feel LilyPond finally makes it possible for me to get exactly what
1078 I want on the page, especially when it isn't "standard" practice.}
1083 @contactUsAbout{news articles or testimonals}
1085 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1086 @subheading Where now?
1088 Read about our @ref{Text input}.
1094 @unnumberedsec Text input
1096 @c TRANSLATORS, so far it's mostly from
1097 @c http://lilypond.org/web/switch/howto
1099 @divClass{column-center-top}
1100 @subheading @qq{Compiling} Music
1102 @imageClickable{nereid-shot-small,png, (click to enlarge), nereid-shot,png, right}
1104 LilyPond is a @emph{compiled} system: it is run on a text file
1105 describing the music. The resulting output is viewed on-screen or
1106 printed. In some ways, LilyPond is more similar to a programming
1107 language than graphical score editing software.
1109 You do not write music by dragging notes from a graphical toolbar
1110 and placing them on a dynamically refreshing score; you write
1111 music by typing text. This text is interpreted (or @qq{compiled})
1112 by LilyPond, which produces beautifully engraved sheet music.
1114 People accustomed to graphical user interfaces might need to learn
1115 a new way of working, but the results are definitely worth it!
1117 @warning{We present a quick overview of our text input -- it's not
1118 as complicated as it sounds! Don't worry about understanding
1119 every detail in these examples; our beginner documentation covers
1120 everything at a much more gradual pace.}
1123 @subsubheading It's as simple as A B C
1125 Notes are encoded with letters and numbers. Special commands are
1126 entered with backslashes.
1128 @imageFloat{text-input-1-annotate,png,center}
1129 @imageFloat{text-input-1-output,png,center}
1131 Alterations are made with different names: add @w{@code{-is}} for
1132 sharp, and @w{@code{-es}} for flat (these are Dutch note names, other
1133 languages are available). LilyPond figures out where to put
1136 @imageFloat{text-input-2-annotate,png,center}
1137 @imageFloat{text-input-2-output,png,center}
1140 @subsubheading Pop music
1142 Put chords and lyrics together to get a lead sheet:
1144 @imageFloat{text-input-pop-annotate,png,center}
1145 @imageFloat{text-input-pop-output,png,center}
1149 @subsubheading Orchestral parts
1151 The input file contains the notes of piece of music. Score and
1152 parts can be made from a single input file, so that changing a
1153 note always affects the score and parts. To be able to include
1154 the same music in multiple places, the music is assigned to a
1155 @qq{variable} (a name).
1157 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-both-annotate,png,center}
1160 This variable is then used in a single part (here transposed, with
1161 condensed rests spanning several measures):
1163 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-single-annotate,png,center}
1164 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-single-output,png,center}
1167 The same variable is used in the full score (here in concert
1170 @imageFloat{text-input-score-annotate,png,center}
1171 @imageFloat{text-input-score-output,png,center}
1174 @subsubheading Beginner Documentation
1176 We realize that many users find this way of entering music a bit
1177 odd. For this reason, we have written extensive documentation to
1178 help new users, beginning with @ref{Learning}. The Learning
1179 Manual is the best place to start, as many questions are answered
1180 before they come up!
1182 Occasionally new users are unnecessarily confused by some aspects
1183 of LilyPond's behaviour. Please read this manual before doubting
1184 whether LilyPond is working correctly.
1186 More in-depth information is available in @ref{Manuals}.
1188 Ben Lemon, a LilyPond user, has created a range of
1189 @uref{http://benlemon.me/blog/music/lilypond/operation-lilypond/,video tutorials}
1190 on his blog and which are aimed at new users.
1193 @subsubheading Easier editing environments
1195 @imageClickable{lilykde-screenshot-small,png,
1196 (click to enlarge),lilykde-screenshot,png,right}
1198 LilyPond is primarily concerned with producing top-quality
1199 engraved sheet music; creating a Graphical User Interface (GUI)
1200 would distract us from this goal. However, there are other
1201 projects aimed at making it easier to create LilyPond input files.
1203 Some editing environments include syntax highlighting, automatic
1204 command completion, and pre-made templates. Other programs
1205 actually provide a GUI which allows direct manipulation of a
1206 graphical score. For more information, see @ref{Easier editing}.
1210 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1211 @subheading Where now?
1213 You are now ready to @ref{Download, Download LilyPond}. Still not
1214 convinced? Read about @ref{Easier editing}.
1219 @node Easier editing
1220 @unnumberedsec Easier editing
1223 GNU policy forbids us from linking to non-Free software, so don't
1226 In particular, don't link to:
1227 - the LilyPond bundle for TextMate (a commercial editor for MacOS).
1231 @divClass{column-center-top}
1232 @subheading Front-end Applications
1233 @subsubheading Frescobaldi
1235 @imageClickable{frescobaldi-lilypond-editor-small,png,
1236 (click to enlarge),frescobaldi-lilypond-editor,png,right}
1238 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1239 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1240 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1242 @uref{http://www.frescobaldi.org}
1244 Frescobaldi is a lightweight, yet powerful, music and text editor
1245 with many features added and enhanced particularly for LilyPond. Major
1246 features include point-and-click links between the code and music views,
1247 detailed score wizards, built in LilyPond documentation browser, syntax
1248 highlighting and automatic completion. Frescobaldi is written in
1249 Python, with PyQt4 for its user interface, and will run on all major
1250 operating systems (GNU/Linux, Mac OS X and Windows).
1252 @subsubheading Denemo
1254 @imageClickable{screenshot-denemo-small,png,
1255 (click to enlarge),screenshot-denemo,png,right}
1257 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1258 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1259 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1261 @uref{http://denemo.org}
1263 Denemo is a graphical editor which generates LilyPond source code,
1264 and also allows audio playback. It allows users to view the
1265 LilyPond source code in parallel to the graphical view. Extra
1266 LilyPond tweaks can be attached to notes, chords etc. and are stored
1267 with the Denemo file, so that users can continue to edit graphically.
1269 Moving the cursor in the LilyPond text moves the cursor in the graphical
1270 view, and any syntax errors in your LilyPond tweaks are highlighted in
1271 the text view when printed from there.
1275 @divClass{column-center-top}
1276 @subheading Browser-based editors
1278 @subsubheading LilyBin
1279 @uref{http://lilybin.com}
1281 A web-based LilyPond editor where you can typeset your scores directly
1282 online without needing to install LilyPond.
1286 @divClass{column-center-top}
1287 @subheading IDE Plug-ins
1289 @subsubheading Elysium
1291 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1292 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1293 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1294 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1296 @uref{https://github.com/thSoft/elysium}
1298 A complete environment for editing scores with LilyPond in Eclipse,
1299 offering a rich toolkit for conveniently managing LilyPond.
1303 @divClass{column-center-top}
1304 @subheading Text editors
1306 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1307 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1308 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1309 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1311 @subsubheading Emacs
1312 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/}
1313 Emacs is a text editor with language-sensitive capabilities for many
1314 different computer languages. Emacs is a highly extensible editor and
1315 can be used as an Integrated Development Environment. There is a
1316 @q{lilypond mode} which supplies the language definitions for working
1317 with LilyPond source files. A developer has written
1318 @uref{https://github.com/nsceaux/lyqi,lyqi}, an Emacs major mode.
1320 If you are not already familiar with Emacs then you may probably prefer
1321 to use a different editor for writing LilyPond input files.
1323 More information on setting up Emacs can be found in
1324 @rprogram{Text editor support}.
1327 @uref{http://www.vim.org}
1328 Vim is a minimal text editor and is an extension of the older Unix
1329 @command{vi} editor. It is also extensible and configurable.
1331 If you are not already familiar with Vi then you may probably prefer
1332 to use a different editor for writing LilyPond input files.
1334 More information on setting up Vim can be found in
1335 @rprogram{Text editor support}.
1337 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1338 @subsubheading TeXShop
1339 @uref{http://pages.uoregon.edu/koch/texshop/}
1341 The TeXShop editor for MacOS@tie{}X can be extended to run LilyPond,
1342 @command{lilypond-book} and @command{convert-ly} from within the editor,
1343 using the extensions available at:
1346 @uref{http://users.dimi.uniud.it/~nicola.vitacolonna/home/content/lilypond-scripts}
1351 @divClass{column-center-top}
1352 @subheading Other programs that can export LilyPond code
1354 @subsubheading Score, tab and MIDI editors:
1359 @uref{http://www.jezra.net/projects/bwwtolily,bwwtolily} attempts to
1360 convert a @code{.bww} or @code{.bmw} file to LilyPond. While not all of
1361 the embellishments may get converted properly (this is especially true
1362 with piobaireachd), the program will list them.
1365 @uref{http://www.canorus.org,Canorus}, a score editor, can also export
1366 to LilyPond, but is still beta-software. Testers are welcome, though.
1369 @uref{http://enc2ly.sourceforge.net/en/,Enc2ly} is a GNU/Linux program
1370 which converts an Encore music score into a LilyPond one.
1373 @uref{https://github.com/hanwen/go-enc2ly,go-enc2ly} is a Go tool that
1374 converts Encore files to LilyPond. It was created using Felipe Castro's
1375 research and reverse engineering by tweaking existing .enc files and
1376 loading them using the 4.55 demo version.
1379 @uref{http://vsr.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/staff/jan/nted/nted.xhtml,NtEd},
1380 a score editor based on the @uref{http://www.cairographics.org,Cairo}
1381 library, it has experimental support for exporting to LilyPond.
1384 @uref{http://www.holmessoft.co.uk/homepage/software/NWC2LY/index.htm,NW2LY}
1385 is a C# program which converts a NoteWorthy composer song into LilyPond.
1388 @uref{https://github.com/ciconia/ripple/blob/master/README.markdown,Ripple}
1389 is a program that helps create scores and parts, including a mode for
1390 mixing different musical works together in a single score or part.
1393 @uref{http://www.rosegardenmusic.com,Rosegarden}, an audio and MIDI
1394 sequencer, which also has a score editor for single-staff editing.
1398 @subsubheading Algorithmic code generators
1403 @uref{http://www.projectabjad.org/,Abjad}, a
1404 @uref{http://www.python.org/,Python} API for Formalized Score Control
1405 designed to help composers build up complex pieces of LilyPond notation
1406 in an iterative and incremental way.
1409 @uref{http://common-lisp.net/project/fomus/,FOMUS}, (FOrmat MUSic) is a
1410 music notation tool for computer music composers. It is written in the
1411 Lisp programming language, and has been tested in a variety of
1412 interpreters. A C++ port is also available.
1415 @uref{http://strasheela.sourceforge.net/strasheela/doc/index.html,Strasheela},
1416 an environment built on top of the
1417 @uref{http://mozart.github.io/, The Mozart Programming System}.
1422 @divClass{column-center-top}
1424 @subheading Other programs no longer being actively developed
1429 @uref{https://sourceforge.net/projects/lily4jedit,LilyPondTool} was
1430 created as a plugin for the @uref{http://www.jedit.org,jEdit} text
1434 @uref{http://lilykde.googlecode.com/,LilyKDE} has been replaced by
1435 @uref{http://www.frescobaldi.org/,Frescobaldi}, and exists as LilyKDE3
1436 for KDE 3.5 and lilypond-KDE4 for KDE 4.1 only.
1439 @uref{http://lilycomp.sourceforge.net, LilyComp} is a graphical note
1440 entry program, acting much like a number-pad which produces LilyPond
1444 @uref{http://www.musescore.org,MuseScore}, a score editor. LilyPond
1445 export was dropped in version 2.0 but earlier versions are still
1446 available for download at
1447 @uref{http://sourceforge.net/projects/mscore/files/mscore/,Sourceforge}.
1450 @uref{https://sourceforge.net/projects/noteedit.berlios/,NoteEdit}, which imported
1451 @uref{http://www.musicxml.com/,MusicXML}, has been forked into
1452 @uref{http://vsr.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/staff/jan/nted/nted.xhtml,NtEd}
1453 and @uref{http://canorus.org,Canorus}.
1456 @uref{http://extensions.services.openoffice.org/en/project/OOoLilyPond,OOoLilypond},
1457 an OpenOffice.org extension that converts LilyPond files into images
1458 within OpenOffice.org documents. Although this is no longer being
1459 developed, it appears to still work with version 4.
1462 @uref{https://launchpad.net/rumor/,Rumor}, a realtime monophonic
1463 MIDI-to-LilyPond converter.
1466 @uref{https://github.com/tiredpixel/tunefl,tunefl}
1467 Typeset your mini-scores directly online without needing to install
1468 LilyPond locally. It allows trying out all the program's features using
1469 a convenient web interface.
1472 @uref{http://sourceforge.net/projects/tuxguitar/,TuxGuitar}, a
1473 multitrack tablature editor and player, includes a score viewer and can
1481 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1482 @subheading Where now?
1484 You are now ready to @ref{Download, Download LilyPond}.
1486 Still not convinced? Many composers, musicians, and conductors
1487 have learned how to write music in our input format. Experienced
1488 users even report that they can enter a full score in LilyPond
1489 faster than with a piano keyboard or mouse+GUI! Perhaps you would
1490 like to review the @ref{Features}, @ref{Examples}, or the
1491 @ref{Freedom} that LilyPond provides, or read about users'
1492 @ref{Productions} and @ref{Reviews}. In addition, our
1493 approach to the computational aesthetics of classical engraving is
1494 explained in our @ref{Background}.
1499 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1500 @subheading Legalese
1503 All logos and product images are copyright and trademark