@c -*-texinfo-*- @c This file is part of lilypond.tely @c TODO: @c * more details about running lilypond; error messages, @c compiling/viewing (emacs?) @c * where to go from First steps+More basics? @c Your first LilyPond score in 10 minutes? @node Tutorial @chapter Tutorial This tutorial starts with a short introduction to the LilyPond music language. After this first contact we will show you how to produce printed output. Then you will be able to create and print your own sheets of music. @ifhtml Many people learn programs by trying and fiddling around with the program. This is also possible with LilyPond. If you click on a picture in the HTML version of this manual, you will see the exact LilyPond input that was used to generate that image. Try it on this image @lilypond[quote,raggedright,relative=2] c-\markup { \bold \huge { Click here. } } @end lilypond @end ifhtml By cutting and pasting the full input into a test file, you have a starting template for experiments. If you like learning in this way, you will probably want to print out or bookmark @ifhtml the @end ifhtml @ref{Cheat sheet}, which is a table listing all commands for quick reference. @menu * First steps:: * Running LilyPond:: * More about pitches:: * Entering ties:: * Automatic and manual beams:: * Octave entry:: * Music expressions explained:: * More staves:: * Adding articulation marks to notes:: * Combining notes into chords:: * Basic rhythmical commands:: * Commenting input files:: * Printing lyrics:: * A lead sheet:: * Listening to output:: * Adding titles:: * Single staff polyphony:: * Piano staves:: * Organizing larger pieces:: * An orchestral part:: * Integrating text and music:: @end menu @node First steps @section First steps The first example demonstrates how to enter the most elementary piece of music, a scale. A note can be entered by typing its name, from @samp{a} through @samp{g}. So, if you enter @example c d e f g a b @end example @noindent the result looks like this @lilypond[quote,notime,relative=1] c d e f g a b @end lilypond The duration of a note is specified by a number after the note name. @samp{1} for a @rglos{whole note}, @samp{2} for a @rglos{half note}, @samp{4} for a @rglos{quarter note} and so on @example a1 a2 a4 a16 a32 @end example @c FIXME: have NOTIME also remove Score.timing? @lilypond[quote,notime,relative=1] \set Score.timing = ##f \set Staff.autoBeaming = ##f { a1 a2 a4 a16 a32 s16_" " } @end lilypond If you do not specify a @rglos{duration}, the duration last entered is used for the next notes. The duration of the first note in input defaults to a quarter @example a a8 a a2 a @end example @lilypond[quote,notime,relative=1] \set Score.timing = ##f { a a8 a a2 a s16_" " } @end lilypond Rests are entered just like notes, but with the name @samp{r} @cindex rests @example r2 r4 r8 r16 @end example @lilypond[quote,notime] \set Score.timing = ##f r2 r4 r8 r16 s16_" " @end lilypond Add a dot @samp{.} after the duration to get a @rglos{dotted note} @example a2. a4 a8. a16 @end example @lilypond[quote,notime,relative=1] \set Score.timing = ##f { a2. a4 a8. a16 s16_" " } @end lilypond The @rglos{meter} (or @rglos{time signature}) can be set with the @code{\time} command @example \time 3/4 \time 6/8 \time 4/4 @end example @c A clef here may lead to confusion, remove it. @lilypond[quote] \override Staff.Clef #'transparent = ##t \time 3/4 s4_" " \time 6/8 s4_" " \time 4/4 s16_" " @end lilypond The @rglos{clef} can be set using the @code{\clef} command @c what is more common name treble or violin? @c in Dutch, it is violin. @c in English it is definitely treble. @example \clef treble \clef bass \clef alto \clef tenor @end example @lilypond[quote,notime] \set Score.timing = ##f \clef violin s4_" " \clef bass s4_" " \clef alto s4_" " \clef tenor s16_" " @end lilypond @ignore To recognize names like @samp{c} and @samp{d} as pitches, they have to be entered inside a so-called @code{\notes} block. This block is formed by enclosing notes and commands are enclosed in curly braces @code{@{@tie{}@dots{}@tie{}@}} and adding the keyword @code{\notes} before the opening brace @example @{ \time 3/4 \clef bass c2 e4 g2. f4 e d c2 r4 @} @end example Now the piece of music is almost ready to be printed. Enclose the @code{\notes} block in a @code{\score} block @example \score @{ \notes @{ \time 3/4 \clef bass c2 e4 g2. f4 e d c2 r4 @} @} @end example @noindent and the music will be converted to printable output. @end ignore Remember to enclose the notes and commands in curly braces @code{@{@tie{}@dots{}@tie{}@}} to convert it to printable output. @lilypond[quote,noindent,linewidth=55\staffspace] { \time 3/4 \clef bass c2 e4 g2. f4 e d c2 r4 } @end lilypond For more elaborate information on @quotation @table @asis @item Entering pitches and durations see @ref{Pitches}, and @ref{Durations}. @item Clefs see @ref{Clef}. @item Rests see @ref{Rests}. @item Time signatures and other timing commands see @ref{Time signature}. @end table @end quotation @node Running LilyPond @section Running LilyPond @c FIXME: let's not be so casual about Emacs and VIM, but rather @c instruct (how) to use them; let advanced user figure-out what @c commands to type? @c @c We don't have enough space to explain either VIM @c or Emacs non-advanced users, and I fear that both editors will only @c confuse newbies. I vote for keeping the material in footnotes. @c @c --hwn In the last section we explained what kind of things you could enter in a LilyPond file. In this section we will explain what commands to run and how to view or print the output. If you have not used LilyPond before, want to test your setup, or want to run an example file yourself, read this section. The instructions that follow are for Unix-like systems. Some additional instructions for Microsoft Windows are given at the end of this section. Begin by opening a terminal window and starting a text editor. For example, you could open an xterm and execute @code{joe}.@footnote{There are macro files for VIM addicts, and there is a @code{LilyPond-mode} for Emacs addicts. If it has not been installed already, refer to @c FIXME lousy reference. the file @file{INSTALL.txt}.} In your text editor, enter the following input and save the file as @file{test.ly} @example @{ c'4 e' g' @} @end example @noindent To process @file{test.ly}, proceed as follows @example lilypond test.ly @end example @noindent You will see something resembling @example lilypond (GNU LilyPond) 2.2.0 Running lilypond-bin... Now processing `/home/fred/ly/test.ly' Parsing... Interpreting music...[1] @emph{... more interesting stuff ... } DVI output to `test.dvi'... PDF output to `test.pdf'... PS output to `test.ps'... @end example @cindex DVI file @cindex Viewing music @cindex xdvi @noindent The result is the file @file{test.pdf}@footnote{For @TeX{} aficionados: there is also a @file{test.dvi} file. It can be viewed with @code{xdvi}. The DVI uses a lot of PostScript specials, which do not show up in the magnifying glass. The specials also mean that the DVI file cannot be processed with @code{dvilj}. Use @code{dvips} for printing. @cindex dvips @cindex dvilj @cindex DVI driver } which you can print or with the standard facilities of your operating system.@footnote{If your system does not have any tools installed, you can try @uref{Ghostscript, http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~ghost/}, a freely available package for viewing and printing PDF and PostScript files.} On Windows, start up a text-editor@footnote{Any simple or programmer-oriented editor will do, for example Notepad. Do not use a word processor, its formatting codes will confuse LilyPond.} and enter @example @{ c'4 e' g' @} @end example Save it on the desktop as @file{test.ly} and make sure that it is not called @file{test.ly.TXT}. Double clicking @file{test.ly} will process the file and show the resulting PDF file. @node More about pitches @section More about pitches A @rglos{sharp} (@texisharp{}) pitch is made by adding @samp{is} to the name, a @rglos{flat} (@texiflat{}) pitch by adding @samp{es}. As you might expect, a @rglos{double sharp} or @rglos{double flat} is made by adding @samp{isis} or @samp{eses}@footnote{This syntax derived from note naming conventions in Nordic and Germanic languages, like German and Dutch.} @example cis1 ees fisis aeses @end example @lilypond[quote,notime] \set Score.timing = ##f \transpose c c' { cis1 ees fisis aeses s16_" " } @end lilypond @cindex key signature, setting The key signature is set with the command @code{\key}, followed by a pitch and @code{\major} or @code{\minor} @example \key d \major g1 \key c \minor g @end example @lilypond[quote,notime,fragment] \key d \major g'1 \key c \minor g' @end lilypond @noindent Key signatures together with the pitches (including alterations) are used to determine when to print accidentals. This is a feature that often causes confusion to newcomers, so let us explain it in more detail. LilyPond makes a sharp distinction between musical content and layout. The alteration (flat, natural or sharp) of a note is part of the pitch, and is therefore musical content. Whether an accidental (a flat, natural or sharp @emph{sign}) is printed in front of the corresponding note is a question of layout. Layout is something that follows rules, so accidentals are printed automatically according to those rules. The pitches in your music are works of art, so they will not be added automatically, and you must enter what you want to hear. In this example @lilypond[quote,notime,fragment] \key d \major d' cis' fis' @end lilypond @noindent no note gets an explicit accidental, but you still must enter @example \key d \major d cis fis @end example @noindent The code @samp{d} does not mean `print a black dot just below the staff.' Rather, it means: `a note with pitch D-natural.' In the key of A-flat, it does get an accidental @lilypond[quote,notime,fragment] \key as \major d' @end lilypond @example \key as \major d @end example Adding all alterations explicitly might require a little more effort when typing, but the advantage is that transposing is easier, and music can be printed according to different conventions. See @ref{Accidentals}, for some examples how accidentals can be printed according to different rules. For more information on @quotation @table @asis @item Accidentals see @ref{Accidentals}. @item Key signature see @ref{Key signature}. @end table @end quotation @node Entering ties @section Entering ties @cindex tie A tie is created by appending a tilde @samp{~} to the first note being tied @lilypond[quote,notime,fragment,verbatim,relative=3] g4~ g a2~ a4 @end lilypond For more information on Ties see @ref{Ties}. @node Automatic and manual beams @section Automatic and manual beams @cindex beams, by hand Beams are drawn automatically @lilypond[quote,fragment,relative=2,verbatim] a8 ais d es r d @end lilypond @noindent If you do not like where beams are put, they can be entered by hand. Mark the first note to be beamed with @samp{[} and the last one with @samp{]}. @lilypond[quote,fragment,relative=2,verbatim] a8[ ais] d[ es r d] @end lilypond For more information on beams, see @ref{Beaming}. Here are key signatures, accidentals and ties in action @example @{ \time 4/4 \key g \minor \clef violin r4 r8 a8 gis4 b a8 d4.~ d e8 fis4 fis8 fis8 eis4 a8 gis~ gis2 r2 @} @end example @ignore FIXME ugr: removing the ignore block, leaving the comment line below @c TODO: use relative mode, verbatim, junk \transpose and above @example @end ignore @lilypond[quote,noindent,linewidth=50\staffspace] \transpose c c' { \time 4/4 \key g \minor \clef violin r4 r8 a8 gis4 b a8 d4.~ d e8 fis4 fis8 fis8 eis4 a8 gis~ gis2 r2 } @end lilypond @cindex accidentals @noindent There are some interesting points to note in this example. Bar lines and beams are drawn automatically. Line breaks are calculated automatically; it does not matter where the line breaks are in the source file. Finally, the order in which time, key and clef changes are entered is not relevant: in the printout, these are ordered according to standard notation conventions. @node Octave entry @section Octave entry @c Tim wants to move this quotes example just before the: quotes-do not-work @c score, but we'd need to remove quotes from the other two (key and @c tie) examples... @c better to have this just before the `octaves are bad' snipped @c but we'd need to remove the ', from \key and tie To raise a note by an octave, add a high quote @code{'} (apostrophe) to the note name, to lower a note one octave, add a `low quote' @code{,} (a comma). Middle C is @code{c'} @example c'4 c'' c''' \clef bass c c, @end example @lilypond[quote,notime,fragment] c'4 c'' c''' \clef bass c c, @end lilypond An example of the use of quotes is in the following Mozart fragment @lilypond[quote,raggedright,fragment,verbatim] \key a \major \time 6/8 cis''8. d''16 cis''8 e''4 e''8 b'8. cis''16 b'8 d''4 d''8 @end lilypond @noindent The last example shows that music in a high register needs lots of quotes. This makes the input less readable, and it is a source of errors. The solution is to use `relative octave' mode. In practice, this is the most convenient way to copy existing music. To use relative mode, add @code{\relative} before the piece of music. @ignore FIXME: move to notation manual? You must also give a note from which relative mode starts, in this case @code{c''}. @end ignore If you do not use octavation quotes (i.e., do not add @code{'} or @code{,} after a note), relative mode chooses the note that is closest to the previous one. For example, @samp{c f} goes up while @samp{c g} goes down @lilypond[quote,notime,fragment,verbatim] \relative { c' f c g c } @end lilypond Since most music has small intervals, pieces can be written almost without octavation quotes in relative mode. The previous example is entered as @lilypond[quote,raggedright,fragment,verbatim] \relative { \key a \major \time 6/8 cis''8. d16 cis8 e4 e8 b8. cis16 b8 d4 d8 } @end lilypond @c needed better, maybe even redundant explanation @c added another example below. @c grappig: Pa vond het heel logies, en slim toen-i eenmaal begreep. @c in eerste instantie drong het `relative' niet door zonder extra uitleg. Larger intervals are made by adding octavation quotes. @lilypond[quote,notime,verbatim,fragment] \relative c { c'' f, f c' c g' c, } @end lilypond In summary, quotes or commas no longer determine the absolute height of a note in @code{\relative} mode. Rather, the height of a note is relative to the previous one, and changing the octave of a single note shifts all following notes an octave up or down. For more information on Relative octaves see @ref{Relative octaves}, and @ref{Octave check}. @node Music expressions explained @section Music expressions explained In input files, music is represent by so-called @emph{music expression}. We have already seen in the previous examples; a single note is a music expression @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=3] a4 @end lilypond Enclosing group of notes in braces creates a new music expression @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=3] { a4 g4 } @end lilypond Putting a bunch of music expressions (notes) in braces, means that they should be played in sequence. The result again is a music expression, which can be grouped with other expressions sequentially. Here, the expression from the previous example is combined with two notes @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=3] { { a4 g } f g } @end lilypond This technique is useful for non-monophonic music. To enter music with more voices or more staves, we also combine expressions in parallel. Two voices that should play at the same time, are entered as a simultaneous combination of two sequences. A `simultaneous' music expression is formed by enclosing expressions in @code{<<} and @code{>>}. In the following example, three sequences (all containing two notes) are combined simultaneously @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=3] << { a4 g } { f e } { d b } >> @end lilypond This mechanism is similar to mathematical formulas: a big formula is created by composing small formulas. Such formulas are called expressions, and their definition is recursive, so you can make arbitrarily complex and large expressions. For example, @example 1 1 + 2 (1 + 2) * 3 ((1 + 2) * 3) / (4 * 5) @end example @cindex expression @cindex music expression This example shows a sequence of expressions, where each expression is contained in the next one. The simplest expressions are numbers and operators (like @samp{+}, @samp{*} and @samp{/}). Parentheses are used to group expressions. Like mathematical expressions, music expressions can be nested arbitrarily deep@footnote{The reason for getting three staves in the previous example but just a single staff in the current one will be explained later.} @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] { c <> << { e f } { c <> } >> } @end lilypond @cindex indent When spreading expressions over multiple lines, it is customary to use an indent that indicates the nesting level. Formatting music like this eases reading, and helps you insert the right number of closing braces at the end of an expression. For example, @example \book @{ \score @{ << @{ @dots{} @} @{ @dots{} @} \paper @{ @dots{} @} >> @} @} @end example Some editors have special support for entering LilyPond, and can help indenting source files. See @ref{Editor support}, for more information. @node More staves @section More staves To print more than one staff, each piece of music that makes up a staff is marked by adding @code{\new Staff} before it. These @code{Staff} elements are then combined parallel with @code{<<} and @code{>>}, as demonstrated here @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim] << \new Staff { \clef violin c'' } \new Staff { \clef bass c } >> @end lilypond The command @code{\new} introduces a `notation context.' A notation context is an environment in which musical events (like notes or @code{\clef} commands) are interpreted. For simple pieces, such notation contexts are created implicitly. For more complex pieces, it is best to mark contexts explicitly. This ensures that each fragment gets its own stave. There are several types of contexts: @code{Staff}, @code{Voice} and @code{Score} handle normal music notation. Other contexts are also @code{Lyrics} (for setting lyric texts) and @code{ChordNames} (for printing chord names). In terms of syntax, prepending @code{\new} to a music expression creates a bigger music expression. In this way it resembles the minus sign in mathematics. The formula @math{(4+5)} is an expression, so @math{-(4+5)} is a bigger expression. We can now typeset a melody with two staves @c TODO: (c) status of this Paul McCartney (?) song (let's all stand together) @lilypond[quote,verbatim,raggedright] << \new Staff { \time 3/4 \clef violin \relative { e''2 d4 c2 b4 a8[ a] b[ b] g[ g] a2. } } \new Staff { \clef bass c2 e4 g2. f4 e d c2. } >> @end lilypond For more information on context see the description in @ref{Interpretation contexts}. @node Adding articulation marks to notes @section Adding articulation marks to notes @cindex articulation @cindex accents @cindex staccato Common accents can be added to a note using a dash (@samp{-}) and a single character @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] c-. c-- c-> c-^ c-+ c-_ @end lilypond @cindex fingering Similarly, fingering indications can be added to a note using a dash (@samp{-}) and the digit to be printed @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] c-3 e-5 b-2 a-1 @end lilypond Dynamic signs are made by adding the markings (with a backslash) to the note @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] c\ff c\mf @end lilypond @cindex dynamics @cindex decrescendo @cindex crescendo Crescendi and decrescendi are started with the commands @code{\<} and @code{\>}. An ending dynamic, for example @code{\f}, will finish the crescendo, or the command @code{\!} can be used @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=2] c2\< c2\ff\> c2 c2\! @end lilypond @cindex slur A slur is a curve drawn across many notes, and indicates legato articulation. The starting note and ending note are marked with @samp{(} and @samp{)}, respectively @lilypond[quote,fragment,relative=2,verbatim] d4( c16)( cis d e c cis d e)( d4) @end lilypond @cindex slurs versus ties A slur looks like a tie, but it has a different meaning. A tie simply makes the first note sound longer, and can only be used on pairs of notes with the same pitch. Slurs indicate the articulations of notes, and can be used on larger groups of notes. Slurs and ties are also nested in practice @lilypond[quote,fragment,relative=2] c2~( c8 fis fis4 ~ fis2 g2) @end lilypond @cindex phrasing slurs Slurs to indicate phrasing can be entered with @code{\(} and @code{\)}, so you can have both legato slurs and phrasing slurs at the same time. @lilypond[quote,fragment,relative=2,verbatim] a8(\( ais b c) cis2 b'2 a4 cis, c\) @end lilypond For more information on @quotation @table @asis @item Fingering see @ref{Fingering instructions}. @item Articulations see @ref{Articulations}. @item Slurs see @ref{Slurs}. @item Phrasing slurs see @ref{Phrasing slurs}. @item Dynamics see @ref{Dynamics}. @end table @end quotation @node Combining notes into chords @section Combining notes into chords @cindex chords Chords can be made by surrounding pitches with angle brackets. Angle brackets are the symbols @samp{<} and @samp{>}. @lilypond[quote,relative=1,fragment,verbatim] r4 4 8 @end lilypond You can combine markings like beams and ties with chords. They must be placed outside the angled brackets @lilypond[quote,relative=1,fragment,verbatim] r4 8[ ]~ @end lilypond @example r4 8\>( 8\!) @end example @lilypond[quote,relative=1,fragment] \slurUp r4 8\>( 8\!) @end lilypond @node Basic rhythmical commands @section Basic rhythmical commands @cindex pickup @cindex anacruse @cindex partial measure A pickup is entered with the keyword @code{\partial}. It is followed by a duration: @code{\partial 4} is a quarter note upstep and @code{\partial 8} an eighth note @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim,fragment] \partial 8 f8 c2 d e @end lilypond @cindex tuplets @cindex triplets Tuplets are made with the @code{\times} keyword. It takes two arguments: a fraction and a piece of music. The duration of the piece of music is multiplied by the fraction. Triplets make notes occupy 2/3 of their notated duration, so a triplet has 2/3 as its fraction @lilypond[quote,relative=1,verbatim,fragment] \times 2/3 { f8 g a } \times 2/3 { c r c } @end lilypond @cindex grace notes @cindex accacciatura Grace notes are also made by prefixing a music expression with the keyword @code{\appoggiatura} or @code{\acciaccatura} @cindex appoggiatura @cindex acciaccatura @lilypond[quote,relative=2,verbatim,fragment] c4 \appoggiatura b16 c4 c4 \acciaccatura b16 c4 @end lilypond @noindent For more information on @quotation @table @asis @item Grace notes see @ref{Grace notes}, @item Tuplets see @ref{Tuplets}, @item Pickups see @ref{Partial measures}. @end table @end quotation @node Commenting input files @section Commenting input files @cindex comments @cindex line comment @cindex block comment A comment is a remark for the human reader of the music input; it is ignored and has no effect on the printed output. There are two types of comments. The percent symbol @samp{%} introduces a line comment; the rest of the line is ignored. A block comments marks a whole section of music input---anything that is enclosed in @code{%@{} and @code{%@}} is ignored. The following fragment shows possible uses for comments @example % notes for twinkle twinkle follow c4 c g' g a a %@{ This line, and the notes below are ignored, since they are in a block comment. g g f f e e d d c2 %@} @end example There is a special statement that really is a kind of comment. The version statement marks for which version of LilyPond the file was written. To mark a file for version 2.1.17, use @example \version "2.1.17" @end example @noindent These annotations make future upgrades of LilyPond go more smoothly. Changes in the syntax are handled with a special program, @file{convert-ly} (see @ref{Invoking convert-ly}), and it uses @code{\version} to determine what rules to apply. @node Printing lyrics @section Printing lyrics @cindex lyrics @c TODO: (c) status of the Queen fragment. @cindex Lyrics @cindex Songs Lyrics are entered by separating each syllable with a space @example I want to break free @end example Consider the melody @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment,raggedright] \relative { r4 c \times 2/3 { f g g } \times 2/3 { g4( a2) } } @end lilypond @c FIXME: when/how/to what rename newlyrics? The lyrics can be set to these notes, combining both with the @code{\newlyrics} keyword @lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment,raggedright] << \relative { r4 c \times 2/3 { f g g } \times 2/3 { g4( a2) } } \newlyrics { I want to break free } >> @end lilypond @cindex melisma @cindex extender line @c synonyms? This melody ends on a @rglos{melisma}, a single syllable (`free') sung to more than one note. This is indicated with an @emph{extender line}. It is entered as two underscores, i.e., @example @{ I want to break free __ @} @end example @lilypond[quote,raggedright] << \relative { r4 c \times 2/3 { f g g } \times 2/3 { g4( a2) } } \newlyrics { I want to break free __ } >> @end lilypond Similarly, hyphens between words can be entered as two dashes, resulting in a centered hyphen between two syllables @example Twin -- kle twin -- kle @end example @lilypond[quote,raggedright] << \relative { \time 2/4 f4 f c' c } \newlyrics { Twin -- kle twin -- kle } >> @end lilypond More options, like putting multiple lines of lyrics below a melody are discussed in @ref{Vocal music}. @c FIXME: too geeky, for notation manual? @c or introduce using foo = \lyrics { a b c } ? When using variables for a piece of lyrics To prevent certain words (for example `as') as being read as a pitch, the input-mode must be switched. This is done with @code{\lyrics}. In @code{\lyrics} mode, all words are read as lyric syllables. @example myText = \lyrics @{ I want to break free @} @end example @noindent The braces @code{@{@}} signify that the syllables are sung in sequence. @ignore By default, music expressions are interpreted in @code{Staff} context. For lyrics, this is obviously not desirable, so it is necessary to explicitly specify a @code{Lyrics} context, @example \lyrics @{ I want to break free @} @end example The melody for this song is as follows @lilypond[quote,fragment,relative=2] r4 c \times 2/3 { f4 g g } \times 2/3 { g4( a2) } @end lilypond @end ignore @node A lead sheet @section A lead sheet @cindex Lead sheets @cindex chords @cindex chord names In popular music, it is common to denote accompaniment as chord names. Such chords can be entered like notes, @example c2 f4. g8 @end example @noindent but now, each pitch is read as the root of a chord instead of a note. This mode is switched on with @code{\chords} @lilypond[quote,verbatim,raggedright] \chords { c2 f4. g8 } @end lilypond Other chords can be created by adding modifiers after a colon. The following example shows a few common modifiers @lilypond[quote,verbatim] \chords { c2 f4:m g4:maj7 gis1:dim7 } @end lilypond For lead sheets, chords are not printed on staves, but as names on a line of themselves. Hence, we have to override the context with @code{\new}, rendering the music expression in a @code{ChordNames} context @lilypond[quote,verbatim] \new ChordNames \chords { c2 f4.:m g4.:maj7 gis8:dim7 } @end lilypond @cindex lead sheet When put together, chord names, lyrics and a melody form a lead sheet, for example, @example << \new ChordNames \chords @{ @emph{chords} @} @emph{the melody} \newlyrics @{ @emph{the text} @} >> @} @end example @lilypond[quote,raggedright] << \new ChordNames \chords { r2 c:sus4 f } \notes \relative { r4 c' \times 2/3 { f g g } \times 2/3 { g4( a2) } } \newlyrics { I want to break free __ } >> @end lilypond A complete list of modifiers and other options for layout can be found in @ref{Chords}. @c FIXME: we talk about \midi before mentioning \paper (or \layout?) @node Listening to output @section Listening to output @cindex sound @cindex MIDI MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standard for connecting and controlling digital instruments. A MIDI file is like a tape recording of a MIDI instrument. To create a MIDI from a music piece of music, add a @code{\midi} block. This causes LilyPond to create a MIDI file, so you can listen to what you just entered. It is great for checking the music. Octaves that are off or accidentals that were mistyped stand out very much when listening to the musical transcription. The @code{\midi} block is added to @code{\score}, for example, @example \score @{ @var{...music...} \midi @{ \tempo 4=72 @} @} @end example Here, the tempo is specified using the @code{\tempo} command. In this case the tempo of quarter notes is set to 72 beats per minute. More information on auditory output in the notation manual can be found in @ref{Sound}. If there is a @code{\midi} command in a @code{\score}, only MIDI will be produced. If notation is needed too, a @code{\paper} block must be added @example \score @{ @var{...music...} \midi @{ \tempo 4=72 @} \paper @{ @} @} @end example @cindex paper block @node Adding titles @section Adding titles Bibliographic information is entered in a separate block, the @code{\header} block. The name of the piece, its composer, etc., are entered as an assignment, within @code{\header @{@tie{}@dots{}@tie{}@}}. The @code{\header} block is usually put at the top of the file. For example, @example \header @{ title = "Eight miniatures" composer = "Igor Stravinsky" tagline = "small is beautiful" @} @{ @dots{} @} @end example @cindex bibliographic information @cindex titles @cindex composer @cindex Engraved by LilyPond When the file is processed the title and composer are printed above the music. The `tagline' is a short line printed at bottom of the last page which normally says `Engraved by LilyPond, version @dots{}'. In the example above it is replaced by the line `small is beautiful.'@footnote{Nicely printed parts are good PR for us, so please leave the tagline if you can.} The @code{\header} block is usually put at the top of the file. A document may contains multiple pieces of music, examples are an etude book, or an orchestral part with multiple movements. @c FIXME: ugh. \header can only live at toplevel, or inside \score. @c If we allow it also to live inside \book, we do not need \score here? The @code{\book} block is used to group the individual @code{\score} blocks. The header for each piece of music can be put inside the @code{\score} block. The @code{piece} name from the header will be printed before each movement. @ignore FIXME: introduce \BOOK FIXME: Using "Adagio" as a name is confusing, it's more common to be a plain tempo indication. Since today (CVS-1.211) we also allow headers and composite music inside book: \header { ... } \book { \header { ... } { ... } \header { ... } { ... } } @end ignore @cindex Engraved by LilyPond @cindex signature line @cindex tag line @example \header @{ title = "Eight miniatures" composer = "Igor Stravinsky" tagline = "small is beautiful" @} \book @{ \score @{ @dots{} \header @{ piece = "Adagio" @} @} \score @{ @dots{} \header @{ piece = "Menuetto" @} @} @} @end example More information on titling can be found in @ref{Invoking lilypond}. @node Single staff polyphony @section Single staff polyphony @cindex polyphony @cindex multiple voices @cindex voices, more -- on a staff When different melodic lines are combined on a single staff they are printed as polyphonic voices; each voice has its own stems, slurs and beams, and the top voice has the stems up, while the bottom voice has them down. Entering such parts is done by entering each voice as a sequence (with @code{@{...@}}), and combining those simultaneously, separating the voices with @code{\\} @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=3] << { a4 g2 f4~ f4 } \\ { r4 g4 f2 f4 } >> @end lilypond For polyphonic music typesetting, spacer rests can also be convenient; these are rests that do not print. It is useful for filling up voices that temporarily do not play. Here is the same example with a spacer rest instead of a normal rest---just use @samp{s} instead of @samp{r} @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=3] << { a4 g2 f4~ f4 } \\ { s4 g4 f2 f4 } >> @end lilypond @noindent Again, these expressions can be nested arbitrarily @lilypond[quote,fragment,verbatim,relative=3] << \new Staff << { a4 g2 f4~ f4 } \\ { s4 g4 f2 f4 } >> \new Staff << \clef bass { 1 ~ 4 } \\ { f4 d e2 ~ e4} >> >> @end lilypond More features of polyphonic typesetting in the notation manual are described in @ref{Polyphony}. @node Piano staves @section Piano staves @cindex staff switch, manual @cindex cross staff voice, manual @cindex @code{\context} Piano music is typeset in two staves connected by a brace. Printing such a staff is similar to the polyphonic example in @ref{More staves}, @example << \new Staff @{ @dots{} @} \new Staff @{ @dots{} @} >> @end example @noindent but now this entire expression must be interpreted as a @code{PianoStaff} @example \new PianoStaff << \new Staff @dots{} >> @end example Here is a full-fledged example @lilypond[quote,verbatim,relative=1,fragment] \new PianoStaff << \new Staff { \time 2/4 c4 c g' g } \new Staff { \clef bass c,, c' e c } >> @end lilypond More information on formatting piano music is in @ref{Piano music}. @node Organizing larger pieces @section Organizing larger pieces When all of the elements discussed earlier are combined to produce larger files, the @code{\score} blocks get a lot bigger, because the music expressions are longer, and, in the case of polyphonic pieces, more deeply nested. Such large expressions can become unwieldy. By using variables, also known as identifiers, it is possible to break up complex music expressions. An identifier is assigned as follows @example namedMusic = \notes @{ @dots{} @} @end example @noindent The contents of the music expression @code{namedMusic}, can be used later by preceding the name with a backslash, i.e., @code{\namedMusic}. In the next example, a two-note motive is repeated two times by using variable substitution @lilypond[quote,raggedright,verbatim,nofragment] seufzer = \notes { e'4( dis'4) } { \seufzer \seufzer } @end lilypond The name of an identifier should have alphabetic characters only; no numbers, underscores or dashes. The assignment should be outside of the @code{\score} block. It is possible to use variables for many other types of objects in the input. For example, @example width = 4.5\cm name = "Wendy" aFivePaper = \paper @{ paperheight = 21.0 \cm @} @end example Depending on its contents, the identifier can be used in different places. The following example uses the above variables @example \score @{ \notes @{ c4^\name @} \paper @{ \aFivePaper linewidth = \width @} @} @end example More information on the possible uses of identifiers is in the technical manual, in TODO. @node An orchestral part @section An orchestral part In orchestral music, all notes are printed twice; in a part for the musicians, and in a full score for the conductor. Identifiers can be used to avoid double work. The music is entered once, and stored in a variable. The contents of that variable is then used to generate both the part and the score. It is convenient to define the notes in a special file. For example, suppose that the file @file{horn-music.ly} contains the following part of a horn/bassoon duo @example hornNotes = \notes \relative c @{ \time 2/4 r4 f8 a cis4 f e d @} @end example @noindent Then, an individual part is made by putting the following in a file @example \include "horn-music.ly" \header @{ instrument = "Horn in F" @} \score @{ \notes \transpose f c' \hornNotes @} @end example The line @example \include "horn-music.ly" @end example @noindent substitutes the contents of @file{horn-music.ly} at this position in the file, so @code{hornNotes} is defined afterwards. The command @code{\transpose f@tie{}c'} indicates that the argument, being @code{\hornNotes}, should be transposed by a fifth downwards. Sounding @samp{f} is denoted by notated @code{c'}, which corresponds with tuning of a normal French Horn in@tie{}F. The transposition can be seen in the following output @lilypond[quote,raggedright] \score { \notes \transpose f c' \notes \relative c { \time 2/4 r4 f8 a cis4 f e d } } @end lilypond In ensemble pieces, one of the voices often does not play for many measures. This is denoted by a special rest, the multi-measure rest. It is entered with a capital @samp{R} followed by a duration (1@tie{}for a whole note, 2@tie{}for a half note, etc.). By multiplying the duration, longer rests can be constructed. For example, this rest takes 3@tie{}measures in 2/4 time @example R2*3 @end example When printing the part, multi-rests must be condensed. This is done by setting a run-time variable @example \set Score.skipBars = ##t @end example @noindent This command sets the property @code{skipBars} in the @code{Score} context to true (@code{##t}). Prepending the rest and this option to the music above, leads to the following result @lilypond[quote,raggedright] \score { \notes \transpose f c' \relative c { \time 2/4 \set Score.skipBars = ##t R2*3 r4 f8 a cis4 f e d } } @end lilypond The score is made by combining all of the music in a @code{\score} block. Assuming that the other voice is in @code{bassoonNotes} in the file @file{bassoon-music.ly}, a score is made with @example \include "bassoon-music.ly" \include "horn-music.ly" \score @{ \simultaneous @{ \new Staff \hornNotes \new Staff \bassoonNotes @} @} @end example @noindent leading to @lilypond[quote,raggedright] \score { \notes \relative c \simultaneous { \new Staff { \time 2/4 R2*3 r4 f8 a cis4 f e d } \new Staff { \clef bass r4 d,8 f | gis4 c | b bes | a8 e f4 | g d | gis f } } } @end lilypond More in-depth information on preparing parts and scores can be found in the notation manual; see @ref{Orchestral music}. Setting run-time variables (`properties') is discussed in ref-TODO. @node Integrating text and music @section Integrating text and music @cindex La@TeX{}, music in @cindex HTML, music in @cindex Texinfo, music in Some texts include music examples. Examples are musicological treatises, songbooks or manuals like this. Such texts can be made by hand, simply by importing a PostScript figure into the word processor. However, there is an automated procedure to reduce the amount of work involved HTML, La@TeX{}, and Texinfo documents. A script called @code{lilypond-book} will extract the music fragments, run format them, and put back the resulting notation. This program is fully described in @ref{lilypond-book manual}. Here we show a small example. The example also contains explanatory text, so we will not comment on it further @example \documentclass[a4paper]@{article@} \begin@{document@} Documents for lilypond-book may freely mix music and text. For example, \begin@{lilypond@} \score @{ \notes \relative c' @{ c2 g'2 \times 2/3 @{ f8 e d @} c'2 g4 @} @} \end@{lilypond@} If there is no \verb+\score+ block in the fragment, \texttt@{lilypond-book@} will supply one \begin[quote]@{lilypond@} c'4 \end@{lilypond@} \noindent In this example two things happened. A \verb+\score+ block was added, and the line width was set to natural length. Options are put in brackets. \begin[quote,staffsize=26,verbatim]@{lilypond@} c'4 f16 \end@{lilypond@} Larger examples can be put in a separate file, and introduced with \verb+\lilypondfile+. \lilypondfile[quote,noindent]@{screech-boink.ly@} \end@{document@} @end example Under Unix, you can view the results as follows @example $ cd input/tutorial $ mkdir -p out/ $ lilypond-book --output=out/ lilybook.tex lilypond-book (GNU LilyPond) 2.1.19 Reading `input/tutorial/lilybook.tex' Reading `input/screech-boink.ly' @var{lots of stuff deleted} Writing `out/lilybook.tex' $ cd out $ latex lilybook @var{lots of stuff deleted} $ xdvi lilybook @end example To convert the file into a nice PDF document, run the following commands @example $ dvips -Ppdf -u +lilypond lilybook $ ps2pdf lilybook.ps @end example Running lilypond-book and running latex creates a lot of temporary files, which would clutter up the working directory. To remedy this, use the @code{--output=@var{dir}} option. It will create the files in a separate subdirectory @file{dir}. Finally the result of the La@TeX{} example shown above.@footnote{Note that in this tutorial the example is processed with Texinfo. This gives slightly different results in layout.} This finishes the tutorial section. @page Documents for lilypond-book may freely mix music and text. For example, @lilypond \score { \notes \relative c' { c2 g'2 \times 2/3 { f8 e d } c'2 g4 } } @end lilypond If there is no @code{\score} block in the fragment, @code{lilypond-book} will supply one @lilypond[quote] c'4 @end lilypond @noindent In this example two things happened. A @code{score} block was added, and the line width was set to natural length. Options are put in brackets. @lilypond[quote,staffsize=26,verbatim] c'4 f16 @end lilypond Larger examples can be put in a separate file, and introduced with @code{\lilypondfile}. @lilypondfile[quote,noindent]{screech-boink.ly}