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'
7 Guide, node Updating translation committishes..
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 system which frees musicians from the details of
24 layout, allowing them to focus on making music. LilyPond works
25 with them to create publication-quality parts, crafted in the best
26 traditions of classical music engraving.
30 @divClass{link-headings}
32 @divClass{column-left-top}
33 @subheading What LilyPond does
38 @ref{Features}: What can LilyPond do?
41 @ref{Examples}: I want to see some music!
44 @ref{Freedom}: LilyPond is Free Software.
47 @ref{Background}: Our computational aesthetics.
52 @divClass{column-right-top}
53 @subheading LilyPond in use
57 @ref{Productions}: Real-life use of LilyPond.
60 @ref{Reviews}: What do people say?
65 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
66 @subheading How LilyPond works
70 @ref{Text input}: You write music as @emph{text}?!
73 @ref{Easier editing}: Other ways of working with LilyPond.
80 @c TRANSLATORS, translations are not yet compiled in Info format, so
81 @c it's not worth translating the right column of the following
85 * Features:: What can LilyPond do?
86 * Examples:: I want to see some music!
87 * Freedom:: Freedom and the GPL.
88 * Background:: Computational aesthetics.
89 * Productions:: Real-life use of LilyPond.
90 * Reviews:: What do people say about it?
91 * Text input:: You write music as text?!
92 * Easier editing:: Other ways of working with LilyPond.
99 @unnumberedsec Features
100 @divClass{column-center-top}
103 @subheading Excellent classical engraving
105 @imageFloat{flat-design,png,right}
107 LilyPond allows musicians to produce elegant sheet music that is
108 easy to read. Its developer community has spent thousands of hours
109 developing powerful music engraving software that results in beautifully
110 engraved music. All of LilyPond's style settings, font designs and
111 algorithms have been inspired by the finest hand-engraved music.
112 LilyPond output has the same strong, balanced and elegant look as the
113 best-engraved classical scores. This is further explained in our
119 @divClass{column-center-top}
120 @subheading Text input
122 @subsubheading Everything is explicit
124 LilyPond processes text input, which contains all information
125 about the @emph{content} of your score and can easily be read
126 by any human or another program. There are no obscure
127 settings hidden behind menu items and binary file storage.
129 Read more about this concept on @ref{Text input}.
132 @subsubheading Tweaks are robust and traceable
134 If you have to change anything in the layout this tweak will
135 also be explicitly visible in the input file in human-readable
136 form, so you will always be able to retrace what you've done.
137 If you should accidentally break anything you can easily revert
138 or modify any decision without being at the mercy of an
139 @emph{Undo} function.
142 @subsubheading Text files are failure- and future-proof
144 Text files are very robust against file corruption. And as they are
145 human-readable, you will always be able to interpret them even if
146 you don't have access to the programs that created them.
149 @subsubheading Manage your scores with version control
151 Text files are applicable to be managed by version control. Go
152 for it and experience infinite and selective undo/redo mechanisms
153 and the full development history of your scores. Version control
154 may also open up new (collaborative) workflows for you.
158 @divClass{column-center-top}
159 @subheading Usability
161 @imageFloat{lilypond-book,png,right}
164 @subsubheading Effective layout choices
166 Spend less time with tweaking the output; LilyPond gets the
167 formatting correct right from the start. It determines spacing by
168 itself, and breaks lines and pages to provide a tight and uniform
169 layout. Clashes between lyrics, notes, and chords are resolved
170 and slurs and beams are sloped, automatically!
173 @subsubheading Mix music and text
175 Put fragments of music into texts without cutting and pasting
176 pictures. Integrate music into @LaTeX{} or HTML seamlessly, or add
177 music to OpenOffice.org/LibreOffice with OOoLilyPond. Plugins are
178 also available to allow LilyPond code in various blogs and wikis, making
179 online collaboration possible.
182 @subsubheading Accessibility
184 Text-based input also makes score-writing possible for users with
185 severe physical disabilities. Dexterity-impaired users who are
186 unable to type or control a computer mouse can use
187 speech-recognition software to edit LilyPond files. Even users
188 who are totally blind can use screen-reading software to write
189 LilyPond files -- an impossible task in graphical-based
190 score-writing programs.
191 You can see a spectacular score on @ref{Examples}.
193 @subsubheading Editor diversity
195 Several developers, themselves active LilyPond users,
196 have written tools specifically aimed at making the process of editing
197 LilyPond files faster and more effective; you are not tied to
198 a single user interface but can use different tools for different tasks.
199 You can even use a full-fledged LilyPond editor at home and use your
200 mobile phone's notepad app to edit the files on the go. For some examples,
201 see @ref{Easier editing}.
202 @c TODO: Change this when the new pages have been written and pushed
207 @divClass{column-center-top}
209 @subheading Extensible design
211 @subsubheading Easy management of style sheets
213 All layout settings can be changed to suit your personal typographical
214 taste. So you can easily write style sheets that change every aspect of
215 LilyPond scores' default appearance. As these are also written as text
216 and can be stored in separate files you can simply switch between two
217 stylesheets to produce scores with a completely different appearance or
219 You want to print a score on A4 paper and project it with a beamer,
220 one system per page? LilyPond's layout engine will effortlessly produce
221 both from the same input.
223 @subsubheading Add your own functions
225 If that still is not enough, there is always the built-in
226 scripting language Scheme, which can access LilyPond's layout
227 engine at the same level as LilyPond itself does, making it
228 a @emph{very} powerful tool.
229 Settings, variables and functions are all documented in the
230 comprehensive program reference manual.
232 @subsubheading Process scores programmatically
234 LilyPond input files can fully be edited or even generated by programs
235 and scripts. This can for example be used for algorithmical composition.
236 But you can also access the musical content for analysis, or manage
237 input fragments in a database. There are no limitations except your
241 @subsubheading Create new tools using LilyPond
243 As LilyPond isn't a monolithic GUI program but a command line tool it
244 can be used from within other applications too. This way it is possible
245 to equip tools like e.g. web applications with LilyPond's engraving
246 power. There already exist several online tools using LilyPond.
248 @c (TBD: Add a link to the new @ref{Applications} page.
253 @divClass{column-center-top}
255 @subheading Environment
257 @imageFloat{frescobaldi-lilypond-editor-small,png,right}
261 @subsubheading Excellent support
263 LilyPond runs on all popular platforms: GNU/Linux, MacOS X, and
264 Windows. LilyPond comes with extensive documentation and hundreds
265 of example files. There is an active user community answering
266 questions on the lilypond-user mailing list, offering you friendly
267 help. The response time is usually very short, and often brillant
268 solutions to reported problems are developed. Thanks to the close
269 interaction with the development team such solutions are regularly
270 included in LilyPond itself.
271 Read more in @ref{Community}.
274 @subsubheading Free software
276 LilyPond can be downloaded free of charge! Yep - It's free. Get
277 it from the download page.
279 It's also free (as in @qq{speech}) software. It comes with source
280 code, and permission to change and copy it. So, are you irritated
281 by a bug, or yearning for a feature? Simply add it yourself, or
282 pay someone else to do it.
283 Read more on @ref{Freedom}.
286 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
287 @subheading Where now?
289 Still not convinced? Look at some specific @ref{Examples}. If you've
290 already decided to try LilyPond, first read about our
297 @unnumberedsec Examples
299 @divClass{column-center-top}
301 @subheading Beautiful examples
303 LilyPond is a powerful and flexible tool for engraving tasks of
304 all kinds. Please browse our gallery of examples and be inspired!
308 @subsubheading Classical Music
310 This organ work by J.S. Bach is a fairly typical engraving project
313 @exampleImage{bach-bwv610}
317 @subsubheading Complex Notation
319 This example from @emph{Goyescas} by Enrique Granados shows some
320 of the more advanced features of typesetting, including kneed
321 beams, cross-staff stems, and voice-follow lines.
323 @exampleImage{granados}
327 @subsubheading Early Music
329 LilyPond also supports various types of ancient notation, such
330 as this passage of Gregorian chant.
332 @exampleImage{ancient-headword}
336 @subsubheading Modern Music
338 Contemporary composers find LilyPond well-suited to displaying
339 unusual notation. Here is an excerpt from Trevor Bača's
340 @emph{Čáry}, for unaccompanied bass flute.
347 @subsubheading Efficient, flexible creation of performance materials
349 Various performance materials can be created from the same source
350 code. This is an excerpt of @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/,
351 Nicolas Sceaux's} engraving of Handel's @emph{Giulio Cesare}, in
352 full score, piano-vocal reduction, and a violin part.
354 @exampleImage{sesto-full}
356 @exampleImage{sesto-piano}
358 @exampleImage{sesto-violin}
363 @subsubheading Tablature
365 LilyPond supports tablature notation, which can be customized to
366 suit any instrument that reads from tablature. The tablature
367 staff is generated automatically from notes entered for the 5-line
370 @exampleImage{tab-example}
374 @subsubheading Schenker Graphs
376 Standard output can be modified heavily. Here is an impressive
377 Schenkerian analysis, created by Kris Schaffer, for an article
378 in @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8364 , Linux Journal}.
379 The colors have been added for better visibility.
381 @exampleImage{bach-schenker}
385 @subsubheading 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 @subsubheading Educational Applications
401 LilyPond is perfectly suited for educational purposes as well.
402 Here is an example of a simple counterpoint exercise.
404 @exampleImage{theory}
408 @subsubheading Popular Music
410 It is simple to create pop lead sheets with melody, lyrics,
411 chord names, and fretboards. In this example you see some of the
412 predefined fretboard diagrams, but these can be heavily customized
413 to suit nearly any situation.
419 @subsubheading Large Projects
421 LilyPond is excellent for large projects like operas or works for
422 full symphony orchestra, as well. In addition, the text-based
423 input provides greater accessibility -- this example was
424 contributed by Hu Haipeng, a blind composer.
426 @exampleImage{orchestra}
431 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
432 @subheading Where now?
434 Still not convinced? LilyPond is Free software, granting you
435 @ref{Freedom}. If you've already decided to try LilyPond, first
436 read about our @ref{Text input}.
441 @unnumberedsec Freedom
443 @divClass{column-center-top}
444 @subheading Free Software
446 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/, GNU} LilyPond is written and maintained
447 by a community of enthusiasts. It is published under the
448 @ref{GPL, GNU General Public License} and the @ref{FDL, GNU Free
449 Documentation License}, giving everybody the freedom to fix,
450 modify, and extend the program. Creating beautiful music should
451 not require hundreds of dollars of software!
455 @c @divClass{column-left-top}
457 @divClass{keep-bullets}
458 @subheading What are the benefits to users?
463 No cost: download and try it out! What do you have to lose?
466 Sharing: if you like the program, give a copy to your friends,
467 teachers, students, and colleagues!
470 Source available: if you are curious about how LilyPond creates
471 some notation, you can see exactly how it is done.
474 Extendible: you can add features, fix bugs, and change the
475 functionality. If you are not a programmer, you can hire somebody
478 This may not seem appealing to casual musicians, but the ability
479 to extend software can be highly valuable to serious composers,
480 companies, and academics.
483 Future safety: if a commercial company goes bankrupt, what happens
484 to any electronic music which depends on their products? This is
485 not a concern with LilyPond; even if the entire development team
486 quits (extremely unlikely), the program will still be legally
487 available for copying, modifications, and distribution.
496 @c @divClass{column-right-top}
498 @divClass{keep-bullets}
499 @subheading Why do LilyPond developers @qq{give away} their work for free?
501 Most of us view LilyPond development as a hobby or volunteer work.
502 So this question is really asking @qq{why do people volunteer}?
507 Fun: working towards a goal can be enjoyable, especially when you
511 Shared goals: we all want beautiful sheet music, but few people
512 have the expertise (and nobody has the time!), to create a program
513 which can handle all situations. By working together -- one
514 person improves the automatic beaming code, another person
515 improves the shape of slurs, and a third person writes
516 documentation explaining how to use these features -- we can
517 achieve our goal with only a fraction of the individual effort.
520 @qq{Gift culture}: the Free Software
521 movement has created many great software projects, such as
522 @uref{http://kernel.org/, GNU/Linux},
523 @uref{http://www.getfirefox.com/, Mozilla Firefox}, and
524 @uref{http://www.wesnoth.org/, Battle for Wesnoth}. Having
525 benefitted from these projects, some developers want to @qq{give
526 back} to the community.
529 Work experience: contributing to free software projects is a great way to
530 practice programming, documentation writing, documentation translation,
531 or design. This experience has helped some developers gain job offers
541 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
542 @subheading Where now?
544 Still not convinced? Read our extensive essay about our engraving
545 philosophy in @ref{Background}. If you've already decided to try
546 LilyPond, first read about our @ref{Text input}.
551 @unnumberedsec Background
553 @divClass{column-center-top}
554 @subheading Background essay
556 We have an extensive essay describing computational aesthetics:
557 the art of creating beauty with a computer.
559 This is interesting reading if you are interested in an in-depth
560 discussion of our fundamental ideas. Due to its volume the
561 essay is available as a "manual". If you would like to read
562 it now, please progress to @ref{Essay}. However, if you just
563 want a quick introduction to LilyPond, you might skip it for now.
566 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
567 @subheading Where now?
569 Still not convinced? Read about some of our users'
570 @ref{Productions} and sheet music. If you've already decided to
571 try LilyPond, first read about our @ref{Text input}.
576 @unnumberedsec Productions
578 @divClass{column-center-top}
580 @subheading Productions using LilyPond
582 Here you can read about people who actually use LilyPond
583 in their productions, be it for performances of their
584 music or as published scores.
588 @divClass{column-left-top}
591 LilyPond engravings have been used for performances around the world.
594 @divClass{keep-bullets}
598 Joe Smeets created sheet music for the children's book @emph{Zing Mee}
599 (@emph{Sing along}) by Annie M.G. published by Querido -- ISBN
601 @uref{http://www.queridokinderenjeugdboeken.nl/web/Boek.htm?dbid=18954&typeofpage=134707, www.queridokinderenjeugdboeken.nl}; choir
602 rehearsal scores for the Dutch translation of Benjamin Britten's
603 @emph{Saint Nicolas} performed by @emph{Muziektheater Hollands Diep} in
605 @uref{http://www.muziektheaterhollandsdiep.nl/nl/voorstellingen/sint_nicolaas_leeft, www.muziektheaterhollandsdiep.nl}; and is currently
606 working on the score and parts for an arrangement of Moussurgsky's
607 @emph{Boris Godounov} for wind quartet, piano and percussion. To be
608 performed in 2014, again by @emph{Muziektheater Hollands Diep}.
611 A critical edition of Tommaso Traetta's @emph{Enea nel Lazio (1760)},
612 opera series with libretto by Vittorio Amedeo Cigna-Santi, in four
614 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1987651/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_1_4_, Part One}
615 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1994533/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_2_4_, Part Two}
616 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1994558/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_3_4_, Part Three}
617 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1996242/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_4_4_, Part Four}
619 @uref{http://unito.academia.edu/LucaRossettoCasel, Luca Rossetto Casel}
620 for his Ph.D. Thesis.
623 Mussorgsky's @emph{Pictures at an exhibition}, re-orchestrated and
624 conducted by @uref{http://www.aurelienbello.com/,Aurélien Bello} with
625 the @uref{http://www.junge-philharmonie-brandenburg.de/,
626 Junge Philharmonie Brandenburg}
627 on Oct 10 2011 and again on Apr 15-16 2012.
630 @uref{http://www.kierenmacmillan.info/, Kieren MacMillan}, composer and
631 musical director. His many, recent works include; @emph{Go Thy Way},
632 performed by the @uref{http://www.saltlakechoralartists.org/,
633 Salt Lake Choral Artists} in March 2012; The
634 @emph{Just Out of Reach Suite} performed
636 @uref{http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/marshall/x1883873762/Music-duo-Chrysalis-to-perform-at-Marshall-University-on-Jan-19,
637 Chrysalis Duo} ; @emph{thrafsmata} performed in July 2011 by the
638 @uref{http://www.pnme.org/CurrentSeason/PreviousSeasons.html, Pittsburgh
642 @emph{Anonymous Student Compliment or Complaint}, by
643 @uref{http://www.mikesolomon.org, Mike Solomon}, winner chosen from among
644 172 entries from 22 countries of the
645 @uref{http://leftcoastensemble.org, 2011 Left Coast Composition Contest}.
646 Other works include, Norman (age 1) for clarinet solo, performed at the
647 @uref{http://emu.music.ufl.edu/fems_concerts.html, University of Florida}'s
648 Electroacoustic Music Festival (FEMF), October 2010.
651 A modern edition of the @emph{Serenata Erminia} by Alessandro Scarlatti,
652 edited by Thomas Griffin, Musicologist (Rome, Italy). Performed on 22
653 October 2010 in the Galleria of the Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano, Naples,
654 Italy. @uref{http://www.ascarlatti2010.net, Alessandro Scarlatti 2010},
655 in celebration of the composer's 350th birthday.
658 @uref{http://www.mercurybaroque.org, Mercury Baroque}'s performance of
659 Lully's @emph{Armide}, May 15-16, 2009, in Houston, Texas (engraving by
660 @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}).
663 Instrumental excerpts from Rameau's @emph{Hippolyte et Aricie} at
664 St. James's Church in Manhattan, May 8, 2009, by Frederick Renz
665 and his ensemble @uref{http://www.earlymusicny.org/, Early Music
666 New York} (engraving by
667 @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}).
670 @emph{Affaire étrangère}, an opera by
671 @uref{http://valentin.villenave.net/,Valentin Villenave}
672 to a French libretto by
673 @uref{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Trondheim, Lewis
674 Trondheim}, premiered February 1, 2009 at
675 @uref{http://www.orchestre-montpellier.com/, L'Opéra National de
676 Montpellier}, France.
684 @divClass{column-right-top}
685 @subheading Published sheet music
687 @divClass{keep-bullets}
691 @uref{http://www.mutopiaproject.org/index.html, Mutopia Project},
692 over 1500 pieces of classical sheet music for free download, and
693 the main showcase of LilyPond scores.
695 @c don't make this "Mutopia" a link, since that looks silly.
697 @uref{http://etudeapp.com, Etude}, @qq{sheet music on steroids} is
698 an iPhone app which displays piano music engraved with LilyPond,
699 including many pieces from Mutopia. The app includes a virtual
700 piano keyboard showing which keys to press to help beginners learn
701 how to read sheet music.
704 @uref{http://www.adoromusicpub.com/, Adoro Music Publishing},
705 high-quality scores of sacred music, available for immediate
706 download or in traditional paper format.
709 @uref{http://www.shadylane.fr, The Shady Lane Publishing},
710 a @qq{micro musical publishing house} whose goal is to promote a
711 new form of musical economy closer to the musicians and music
720 @contactUsAbout{concerts or sheet music}
722 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
723 @subheading Where now?
725 Still not convinced? Read some of our users' @ref{Reviews}.
726 If you've already decided to try LilyPond, first read about our
730 @c TRANSLATORS, so far it's mostly from
731 @c http://lilypond.org/web/switch/testimonials
734 @unnumberedsec Reviews
736 @divClass{column-center-top}
737 @subheading What do people say about LilyPond?
742 @divClass{column-left-top}
743 @subheading Published articles
745 @divClass{keep-bullets}
751 @uref{http://www.linux-magazine.com,Linux Magazine} publishes an
753 @uref{http://www.linux-magazine.com/w3/issue/126/088-090_projects.pdf,
754 Projects on the Move}. It is an introductory article on MuseScore,
755 LilyPond and Chordii. Author Carla Schroder states @qq{LilyPond is
756 driven from the command line, but don’t let the lack of a GUI scare
757 you away; LilyPond is user-friendly and easy to learn}, and provides
763 Peter Kirn, on the Create Digital Music website, publishes a
764 @uref{http://createdigitalmusic.com/2010/05/14/lilypond-free-beautiful-music-notation-engraving-for-anyone/,LilyPond
765 review}. He takes a balanced view on usage, praises LilyPond's
766 high-quality notation and suggests to try it out.
771 The German LinuxUser magazine wrote an
772 @uref{http://www.linux-community.de/Internal/Artikel/Print-Artikel/LinuxUser/2009/10/Digitaler-Notenschluessel,
773 article about LilyPond}.
779 @uref{http://www.polyphonic.org/article.php?id=188, Polyphonic.org}
780 website, presents comments by two orchestra librarians who
781 talk about using software to maintain their libraries.
786 In an @uref{http://news.lilynet.net/Free-Music-Now, article}
787 published in the French @emph{National Conservatory Parent
788 Association}'s yearly magazine, French composer and LilyPond
789 contributor Valentin Villenave explains how Free licenses, and
790 specifically LilyPond-engraved scores, are instrumental in
791 making written music accessible to all.
796 In @uref{http://www.musicbyandrew.ca/finale-lilypond-1.html,
797 articles on his personal site}, Andrew Hawryluk compares Finale
798 and LilyPond in general terms, and evaluates engraving
799 capabilities of both pieces of software in detail. The second
800 article is an instructive analysis of engraving issues in
801 Rachmaninoff's Piano Prelude No. 6, including comparisons with a
802 hand-engraved reference edition.
807 @uref{http://distrowatch.com,DistroWatch} awards LilyPond and
808 @uref{http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20060605,writes}
809 @qq{Ladies and Gentleman, we are pleased to announce that, based
810 on readers' requests, the DistroWatch May 2006 donation has been
811 awarded to LilyPond (@euro{}190.00) and Lua (US$250.00).}
816 @uref{http://linuxjournal.com,Linux Journal} publishes an article
817 titled @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8364, Make
818 Stunning Schenker Graphs with GNU LilyPond}. It is an in-depth
819 but hands-on feature article with crisp LilyPond graphics. Author
820 Kris Shaffer remarks @qq{GNU LilyPond generates beautiful graphics
821 that make commercial alternatives seem second-rate.}
826 The Belgian newspaper De Standaard investigates what drives Free
827 Software authors in an article titled
828 @uref{http://www.standaard.be/Artikel/Detail.aspx?artikelId=G42H5GD6,
829 Delen van KENNIS zonder WINSTBEJAG} (Non-profit sharing of
830 knowlegde) in its @q{DS2 bijlage}. LilyPond is used as an example
831 and the article is interspersed with quotes from an email
832 interview with Jan Nieuwenhuizen. This marks LilyPond's first
833 appearance in mainstream printed press.
838 A French article on the LilyPond 2.6 release appeared on
839 @uref{http://linuxfr.org/2005/06/27/19210.html, linuxfr.org}.
844 The editors of Computer!Totaal, a Dutch computer magazine,
845 @uref{http://lilypond.org/website/pdf/computer-totaal.jpeg,
846 describe LilyPond} in the October 2004 issue as: @qq{Wonderful
847 free (open source) software [@dots{}] The sheet music produced by
848 LilyPond is exceptionally pretty [@dots{}] a very powerful system that
849 can do almost anything.}
854 Dave Phillips wrote an introductory article for
855 @uref{http://linuxjournal.com,Linux Journal}: At
856 the sounding edge: LilyPond, parts
857 @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7657, one} and
858 @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7719, two}.
864 @uref{http://www.all-day-breakfast.com/cannam/linux-musician/lilypond.html,interviewed}
865 Han-Wen Nienhuys and Jan Nieuwenhuizen on linuxmusician.com
866 (original site defunct). This interview was also reviewed in a
867 @uref{http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/03/13/2054227&tid=,
873 Jazz singer Gail Selkirk writes about
874 @uref{http://www.songbirdofswing.com/editorial_page/lilypond/,
875 Diving into LilyPond}. @qq{@dots{} you can make lead sheets or full
876 orchestral parts, and the results can be stunning.}
877 @uref{http://www.computermusic.co.uk/, Computer Music Special},
886 @divClass{column-right-top}
887 @subheading User testimonials
889 @divClass{testimonial-item}
890 @imageFloat{carter-brey,jpg, right}
891 @subsubheading @uref{http://nyphil.org/meet/orchestra/index.cfm?page=profile&personNum=7, Carter Brey}, Principal Cellist, New York Philharmonic
893 @qq{@dots{} I've written a couple of encore pieces for solo cello
894 which I've printed with LilyPond and which I'm going to submit to
895 Schirmer for publication. I'll bet their engraved version wouldn't
896 look half as sharp as mine!}
900 @divClass{testimonial-item}
901 @imageFloat{orm-finnendahl,jpg, left}
902 @subsubheading @uref{http://icem-www.folkwang-hochschule.de/~finnendahl/, Orm Finnendahl}, professor of Composition, Musikhochschule Freiburg
904 @qq{Although I don't know [LilyPond] very well yet, I'm
905 @strong{*very} impressed. I used the program to input a motet of
906 Josquin Desprez in mensural notation and there's no doubt that
907 lilypond outscores all other notation programs easily concerning
908 speed, ease of use and look!}
912 @divClass{testimonial-item}
913 @imageFloat{darius-blasband,jpg, right}
914 @subsubheading Darius Blasband, composer (Brussels, Belgium)
916 @qq{[..after the first orchestra rehearsal] I got numerous
917 compliments about the quality of the scores. Even more
918 importantly, while LilyPond provides numerous hacks to improve the
919 way its scores look, what the orchestra got from me is basically
920 the raw, untouched output.}
924 @divClass{testimonial-item}
925 @subsubheading Kieren MacMillan, composer (Toronto, Canada)
927 @qq{thanks and kudos to the development team for their incredible
928 work. I've never seen anything approaching the output that I get
929 from LilyPond -- I'm totally confident that my music publishing
930 needs will be fulfilled beyond my expectations using this great
931 application. [@dots{}] basically untweaked LilyPond output
932 [@dots{}] looks better than most recent @q{professional}
933 publications I've compared it to (q.v., just about any Warner
934 Bros. score, and even many of the most recent by @q{the old
935 houses}). [@dots{}]} @qq{Beat that, Finale/Sibelius/Igor/whatever!!!}
939 @divClass{testimonial-item}
940 @subsubheading Chris Cannam, lead programmer of the @uref{http://www.rosegardenmusic.com/, RoseGarden} project
942 @qq{LilyPond is obviously the zillion-ton gorilla [of great music
947 @divClass{testimonial-item}
948 @subsubheading Chris Snyder, @uref{http://www.adoromusicpub.com/, Adoro Music Publishing}
950 @qq{The way that music is entered for LilyPond causes me to think in a
951 more musical way -- there have been times when I've been stumped as
952 to how to tell Lily to engrave something, only to realize that
953 even if I did get it exactly as the composer wanted, the music
954 would be confusing to read. LilyPond makes it much easier for me
955 to work in my dual editor+engraver role.}
957 @qq{I've been using LilyPond exclusively for my fledgling music
958 publishing business. Virtually without exception, every composer
959 has been blown away by the quality of the engraving when presented
960 with the proofs of their music about to be published. I deserve
961 some of the credit for this -- I spend a lot of time tweaking
962 output, especially ties (mainly in chords) -- but LilyPond gives
963 me an excellent starting point, a very intuitive interface, and
964 the ability to modify absolutely anything if I want to take the
965 time. I'm convinced that no commercial product can come close.}
969 @divClass{testimonial-item}
970 @subsubheading David Bobroff, Bass Trombone, Iceland Symphony Orchestra
972 @qq{I think LilyPond is great [@dots{}] The more I learn about LilyPond
977 @divClass{testimonial-item}
978 @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})
980 @qq{I am super impressed with LilyPond [@dots{}]}
982 @qq{THIS IS THE BEST PROGRAM EVER!!!}
984 @qq{Thank you all SO MUCH for your hard work and dedication!}
988 @divClass{testimonial-item}
989 @subsubheading @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}, @uref{http://www.mutopiaproject.org/, Mutopia} contributor
991 @qq{I had a kind of hate-passion relationship with it. Passion
992 because the first score I saw was so amazing! The description of
993 LilyPond lies about its beautifulness, it is too modest! [@dots{}] as
994 LilyPond is getting always better, and as I look closer how things
995 are done in scheme, I have less and less frustrations. Anyway,
996 what I mean is: thank you for providing LilyPond, it is really
1001 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1002 @subsubheading @uref{http://www.troff.org/whoswho.html#werner, Werner Lemberg}, Conductor at the Theatre in Koblenz, Germany and distinguished GNU Hacker
1004 @qq{Anyway, LilyPond does an amazingly good job!}
1008 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1009 @subsubheading Paul Davis, developer of @uref{http://jackaudio.org/, JACK} and @uref{http://www.ardour.org/, Ardour}
1011 @qq{I think [LilyPond is] an incredible program, and it produces
1012 wonderful, wonderful output. when i read an interview about it
1013 last year, i was raving to several friends of mine about its
1018 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1019 @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)
1021 @qq{I have the deepest respect towards LilyPond and towards its creators
1022 and maintainers as I know from personal experience how difficult this
1023 kind of software can be.}
1027 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1028 @subsubheading @uref{http://camerondh.blogspot.com, David Cameron}, Musician, professional typesetter and long time SCORE user
1030 @qq{My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to this project. I
1031 was a power SCORE user for big typesetting houses way back in the '90s,
1032 but I feel LilyPond finally makes it possible for me to get exactly what
1033 I want on the page, especially when it isn't "standard" practice.}
1038 @contactUsAbout{news articles or testimonals}
1040 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1041 @subheading Where now?
1043 Read about our @ref{Text input}.
1049 @unnumberedsec Text input
1051 @c TRANSLATORS, so far it's mostly from
1052 @c http://lilypond.org/web/switch/howto
1054 @subheading @qq{Compiling} Music
1056 @imageClickable{nereid-shot-small,png, (click to enlarge), nereid-shot,png, right}
1058 LilyPond is a @emph{compiled} system: it is run on a text file
1059 describing the music. The resulting output is viewed on-screen or
1060 printed. In some ways, LilyPond is more similar to a programming
1061 language than graphical score editing software.
1063 You do not write music by dragging notes from a graphical toolbar
1064 and placing them on a dynamically refreshing score; you write
1065 music by typing text. This text is interpreted (or @qq{compiled})
1066 by LilyPond, which produces beautifully engraved sheet music.
1068 People accustomed to graphical user interfaces might need to learn
1069 a new way of working, but the results are definitely worth it!
1071 @warning{We present a quick overview of our text input -- it's not
1072 as complicated as it sounds! Don't worry about understanding
1073 every detail in these examples; our beginner documentation covers
1074 everything at a much more gradual pace.}
1077 @subsubheading It's as simple as A B C
1079 Notes are encoded with letters and numbers. Special commands are
1080 entered with backslashes.
1082 @imageFloat{text-input-1-annotate,png,center}
1083 @imageFloat{text-input-1-output,png,center}
1085 Alterations are made with different names: add @w{@code{-is}} for
1086 sharp, and @w{@code{-es}} for flat (these are Dutch note names, other
1087 languages are available). LilyPond figures out where to put
1090 @imageFloat{text-input-2-annotate,png,center}
1091 @imageFloat{text-input-2-output,png,center}
1094 @subsubheading Pop music
1096 Put chords and lyrics together to get a lead sheet:
1098 @imageFloat{text-input-pop-annotate,png,center}
1099 @imageFloat{text-input-pop-output,png,center}
1103 @subsubheading Orchestral parts
1105 The input file contains the notes of piece of music. Score and
1106 parts can be made from a single input file, so that changing a
1107 note always affects the score and parts. To be able to include
1108 the same music in multiple places, the music is assigned to a
1109 @qq{variable} (a name).
1111 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-both-annotate,png,center}
1114 This variable is then used in a single part (here transposed, with
1115 condensed rests spanning several measures):
1117 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-single-annotate,png,center}
1118 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-single-output,png,center}
1121 The same variable is used in the full score (here in concert
1124 @imageFloat{text-input-score-annotate,png,center}
1125 @imageFloat{text-input-score-output,png,center}
1128 @subsubheading Beginner Documentation
1130 We realize that many users find this way of entering music a bit
1131 odd. For this reason, we have written extensive documentation to
1132 help new users, beginning with @ref{Learning}. The Learning
1133 Manual is the best place to start, as many questions are answered
1134 before they come up!
1136 Please read the Learning Manual before complaining about bugs!
1137 New users occasionally believe that LilyPond is not working
1138 correctly, when in fact it is working precisely as designed.
1140 More in-depth information is available in @ref{Manuals}.
1142 Ben Lemon, a LilyPond user, has created a range of
1143 @uref{http://benlemon.me/blog/music/lilypond/operation-lilypond/,video tutorials}
1144 on his blog and which are aimed at new users.
1147 @subsubheading Easier editing environments
1149 @imageClickable{lilykde-screenshot-small,png,
1150 (click to enlarge),lilykde-screenshot,png,right}
1152 LilyPond is primarily concerned with producing top-quality
1153 engraved sheet music; creating a Graphical User Interface (GUI)
1154 would distract us from this goal. However, there are other
1155 projects aimed at making it easier to create LilyPond input files.
1157 Some editing environments include syntax highlighting, automatic
1158 command completion, and pre-made templates. Other programs
1159 actually provide a GUI which allows direct manipulation of a
1160 graphical score. For more information, see @ref{Easier editing}.
1164 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1165 @subheading Where now?
1167 You are now ready to @ref{Download, Download LilyPond}. Still not
1168 convinced? Read about @ref{Easier editing}.
1173 @node Easier editing
1174 @unnumberedsec Easier editing
1177 GNU policy forbids us from linking to non-Free software, so don't
1180 In particular, don't link to:
1181 - the LilyPond bundle for TextMate (a commercial editor for MacOS).
1185 @divClass{column-center-top}
1188 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1189 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1190 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1191 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1193 @uref{http://www.tunefl.com}
1195 With tunefl you can typeset your scores directly online
1196 without needing to install LilyPond locally. It allows
1197 trying out all the program's features using a convenient
1202 @divClass{column-center-top}
1203 @subheading LilyPondTool
1205 @imageClickable{lilypondtool-2.12-screenshot-400wide,png,
1206 (click to enlarge),lilypondtool-2.12-screenshot,png,right}
1208 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1209 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1210 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1211 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1213 @uref{http://lilypondtool.organum.hu}
1215 Created as a plugin for the
1216 @uref{http://www.jedit.org,jEdit} text editor,
1217 LilyPondTool is one of the most feature-rich text-based tools for
1218 editing LilyPond scores. Its features include a Document Wizard
1219 with lyrics support to set up documents easier, and embedded PDF
1220 viewer with advanced point-and-click support.
1224 @divClass{column-center-top}
1225 @subheading Frescobaldi
1227 @imageClickable{frescobaldi-lilypond-editor-small,png,
1228 (click to enlarge),frescobaldi-lilypond-editor,png,right}
1230 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1231 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1232 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1234 @uref{http://www.frescobaldi.org}
1236 Frescobaldi is lightweight, yet powerful LilyPond music and text editor
1237 with a built-in PDF viewer. It is easy to use and will run on all major
1238 operating systems (GNU/Linux, Mac OS X and Windows).
1242 @divClass{column-center-top}
1245 @imageClickable{screenshot-denemo-small,png,
1246 (click to enlarge),screenshot-denemo,png,right}
1248 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1249 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1251 @uref{http://denemo.org}
1253 Denemo is a graphical editor which generates LilyPond source code,
1254 and also allows audio playback. It allows users to view the
1255 LilyPond source code in parallel to the graphical view. Extra
1256 LilyPond tweaks can be attached to notes, chords etc. and are stored
1257 with the Denemo file, so that users can continue to edit graphically.
1259 Moving the cursor in the LilyPond text moves the cursor in the graphical
1260 view, and any syntax errors in your LilyPond tweaks are highlighted in
1261 the text view when printed from there.
1265 @divClass{column-center-top}
1266 @subheading Text editors
1268 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1269 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1270 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1271 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1273 @uref{http://elysium.thsoft.hu}
1275 Elysium is a LilyPond IDE for Eclipse with an integrated, side-by-side
1276 view for source and score. It includes rapid visual & auditive feedback
1277 without having to switch contexts, and comes with many wizard-driven
1280 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/}
1282 Emacs is a text editor with language-sensitive capabilities for
1283 many different computer languages. Emacs is a highly extensible
1284 editor and can be used as an Integrated Development Environment.
1285 There is a @q{lilypond mode} which supplies the language
1286 definitions for working with LilyPond source files. A developer
1287 has written @uref{https://github.com/nsceaux/lyqi,lyqi}, an Emacs major
1290 @uref{http://www.vim.org}
1292 Vim is a minimal text editor and is an extension of the older Unix
1293 @command{vi} editor. It is also extensible and configurable.
1295 As a general rule, if you are not already familiar with Emacs or
1296 Vim, then you would probably prefer to use a different editor for
1297 writing LilyPond input files.
1299 More information on setting up Emacs and Vim can be found in
1300 @rprogram{Text editor support}.
1302 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1303 @uref{http://www.uoregon.edu/~koch/texshop}
1305 The TexShop editor for MacOS@tie{}X can be extended to run LilyPond,
1306 @command{lilypond-book} and @command{convert-ly} from within the editor,
1307 using the extensions available at:
1310 @uref{http://users.dimi.uniud.it/~nicola.vitacolonna/home/content/lilypond-scripts}
1315 @divClass{column-center-top}
1316 @subheading Programs that can export LilyPond code
1319 @subsubheading Score, tab and MIDI editors:
1324 @uref{http://www.jezra.net/projects/bwwtolily,bwwtolily} attempts to
1325 convert a @code{.bww} or @code{.bmw} file to LilyPond. While not all of
1326 the embellishments may get converted properly (this is especially true
1327 with piobaireachd), the program will list them.
1330 @uref{http://www.canorus.org,Canorus}, a score editor, can also export
1331 to LilyPond, but is still beta-software. Testers are welcome, though.
1334 @uref{http://enc2ly.sourceforge.net/en/,Enc2ly} is a GNU/Linux program
1335 which converts an @uref{http://www.gvox.com/,Encore} music score into
1339 @uref{https://github.com/hanwen/go-enc2ly,go-enc2ly} is a Go tool that
1340 converts @uref{http://www.gvox.com/,Encore} files to LilyPond. It was
1341 created using Felipe Castro's research and reverse engineering by
1342 tweaking existing .enc files and loading them using the 4.55 demo
1346 @uref{http://www.musescore.org,MuseScore}, a score editor, has
1347 incomplete LilyPond export but is being actively developed.
1350 @uref{http://vsr.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/staff/jan/nted/nted.xhtml,NtEd},
1351 a score editor based on the @uref{http://www.cairographics.org,Cairo}
1352 library, it has experimental support for exporting to LilyPond.
1355 @uref{http://www.holmessoft.co.uk/homepage/software/NWC2LY/index.htm,NW2LY}
1356 is a C# program which converts a NoteWorthy composer song into LilyPond.
1359 @uref{https://github.com/ciconia/ripple/blob/master/README.markdown,Ripple}
1360 is a program that helps create scores and parts, including a mode for
1361 mixing different musical works together in a single score or part.
1364 @uref{http://www.rosegardenmusic.com,Rosegarden}, an audio and MIDI
1365 sequencer, which also has a score editor for single-staff editing.
1368 @uref{https://launchpad.net/rumor/,Rumor}, a realtime monophonic
1369 MIDI-to-LilyPond converter.
1372 @uref{http://www.tuxguitar.com.ar/,TuxGuitar}, a multitrack tablature
1373 editor and player, includes a score viewer and can export to LilyPond.
1377 @subsubheading Algorithmic code generators
1382 @uref{http://www.projectabjad.org/,Abjad}, a
1383 @uref{http://www.python.org/,Python} API for Formalized Score Control
1384 designed to help composers build up complex pieces of LilyPond notation
1385 in an iterative and incremental way.
1388 @uref{http://common-lisp.net/project/fomus/,FOMUS}, (FOrmat MUSic) is a
1389 music notation tool for computer music composers. It is written in the
1390 Lisp programming language, and has been tested in a variety of
1391 interpreters. A C++ port is also available.
1394 @uref{http://strasheela.sourceforge.net/strasheela/doc/index.html,Strasheela},
1395 an environment built on top of the
1396 @uref{http://www.mozart-oz.org/, Mozart/Oz} constraint programming
1402 @divClass{column-center-top}
1404 @subheading Other programs not being actively developed
1409 @uref{http://lilykde.googlecode.com/,LilyKDE} has been replaced by
1410 @uref{http://www.frescobaldi.org/,Frescobaldi}, and exists as LilyKDE3
1411 for KDE 3.5 and lilypond-KDE4 for KDE 4.1 only.
1414 @uref{http://noteedit.berlios.de,NoteEdit}, which imported
1415 @uref{http://www.makemusic.com/musicxml,MusicXML}, has been forked
1417 @uref{http://vsr.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/staff/jan/nted/nted.xhtml,NtEd}
1418 and @uref{http://canorus.org,Canorus}.
1422 @uref{http://lilycomp.sourceforge.net, LilyComp} is a graphical
1423 note entry program, acting much like a number-pad which produces
1431 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1432 @subheading Where now?
1434 You are now ready to @ref{Download, Download LilyPond}.
1436 Still not convinced? Many composers, musicians, and conductors
1437 have learned how to write music in our input format. Experienced
1438 users even report that they can enter a full score in LilyPond
1439 faster than with a piano keyboard or mouse+GUI! Perhaps you would
1440 like to review the @ref{Features}, @ref{Examples}, or the
1441 @ref{Freedom} that LilyPond provides, or read about users'
1442 @ref{Productions} and @ref{Reviews}. In addition, our
1443 approach to the computational aesthetics of classical engraving is
1444 explained in our @ref{Background}.
1447 @subheading Legalese
1450 All logos and product images are copyright and trademark