+mailto(gnu-music-discuss@gnu.org)
COMMENT(-*-text-*-)
redef(var)(1)(whenlatex(latexcommand({\normalfont\scshape )ARG1+latexcommand(}))\
whenhtml(sc(ARG1)))
+COMMENT(urg)
+DEFINEMACRO(Large)(1)(\
+ whenlatex(latexcommand(\Large{)ARG1+latexcommand(}))\
+ whentexinfo(texinfocommand(@strong{)ARG1+texinfocommand(}))\
+ whenhtml(htmlcommand(<font size=+2>)ARG1+htmlcommand(</font>))\
+ whentxt(ARG1))
+
COMMENT( This document contains Mudela fragments. You need at least
Yodl-1.30.18 to convert this to tex or html.
TODO
-need to rethink paper size stuff?
-
-pipethrough(date) sucks.
+ * pipethrough(date) sucks.
+ * paragraphs have too much space.
+ * fix the amount of spaces (urg:tabs) at the start of verb() blocks
+ or even better: do verb and description side-by side
+ (TeX: use minipage construct):
-paragraphs have too much space.
+ \foo This does the
+ foo construct
-in stead <-> instead
+ The explaining texts are right in between examples.
+ Constructs like 'This shows' and 'The next line' are esp.
+ confusing, here.
)
COMMENT(
- Mainly written by Han-Wen Nienhuys,
-
- with help of (among others)
-
- * Jan Nieuwenhuizen
-
- * Lambert Meertens,
-
- * Adrian Mariano
+ Mainly written by Han-Wen Nienhuys,
- * Mats Bengtsson
+ with help of (among others)
+ * Jan Nieuwenhuizen
)
htmlbodyopt(bgcolor)(white)
whenlatex(notableofcontents())
whentexinfo(notableofcontents())
-article(Mudela, the Music-Definition Language)
+article(Typesetting music with LilyPond)
(Han-Wen Nienhuys and Jan Nieuwenhuizen)
(nop()PIPETHROUGH(date "+%B %d, %Y")()()nop())
label(tutorial:introduction)
latexcommand(\parindent2pc)
-If you are reading this, you probably are interested in printing
-music. LilyPond is a program that can print music from a
-specification that you, the user, supply. Using LilyPond may be a bit
-quaint in the beginning, because you have to give that specification
-using a em(language) named mudela. This chapter is a gentle
-introduction Mudela.
-
-We will demonstrate the working of Mudela by presenting a examples of
-input alongside with the resulting output. We will comment on these
-examples using English terms for notation, so if you are not familiar
-with these terms, you should consult the glossary that is distributed
-with LilyPond: it contains a list of musical terms along with
-explanations and translations in some other languages.
+LilyPond prints music from a specification that you, the user, supply.
+You have to give that specification using a em(language). This
+document is a gentle introduction to that language, which is called
+Mudela, an acronym of Music Definition Language.
+
+This tutorial will demonstrate how to use Mudela by presenting
+examples of input along with resulting output. We will use English
+terms for notation. In case you are not familiar with those, you may
+consult the glossary that is distributed with LilyPond.
+
+The examples discussed are included in the distribution, in the
+subdirectory file(input/tutorial/). It is recommended that you
+experiment with writing Mudela input yourself, to get a feel for
+how LilyPond behaves.
sect(The first tune)
label(sec:firsttune)
To demonstrate what LilyPond input looks like, we start off with a
-full fledged (yet simple) example. It is somewhat convoluted version of one of the menuets in J.~S.~Bach's ``Clavierbuchlein".
+full fledged, yet simple example. It is a convoluted version
+of the famous menuet in bind(J.)bind(S.)Bach's em(Klavierbuechlein).
-mudela(verbatim)(
-% lines preceded by a percent are comments.
+COMMENT(urg: the fermata sign is placed below the note by default)
+mudela(verbatim)(% lines preceded by a percent are comments.
\include "paper16.ly"
\score {
- \notes % let's start music
- \relative c'' { % octave quotes are relative now
- \key G;
- \time 3/4; % set the time signature.
-
- d4 [g,8 a b c] d4 g, g |
- e'4 [c8 d e fis] g4 g, g |
- c4 [d8 c b a] b4 [c8 b a g] |
- a4 [b8 a g fis] g2. |
-
- \bar ":|"; % a repeat sign
-
-
- b'4 [g8 a b g]
- a4 [d,8 e fis d] |
- g4 [e8 fis g d] cis4 [b8 cis] a4 |
- [a8-. b-. cis-. d-. e-. fis-. ]
- % try some super and subscripts.
- g4 fis e |
- fis a, r8 cis8
- d2.-\fermata
- \bar "|.";
+ \notes
+ \relative c'' {
+ \key g;
+ \time 3/4;
+
+ \repeat "volta" 2 {
+ d4 g,8 a b c d4 g, g |
+ e'4 c8 d e fis g4 g, g |
+ c4 d8()c b a( )b4 c8 b a g |
+ a4 [b8 a] [g fis] g2. |
+ }
+
+ b'4 g8 a b g
+ a4 d,8 e fis d |
+ g4 e8 fis g d cis4 b8 cis a4 |
+ a8-. b-. cis-. d-. e-. fis-.
+ g4 fis e |
+ fis a, r8 cis8
+ d2.-\fermata
+ \bar "|.";
}
\paper {
- linewidth = 10.0 \cm; % standard settings are too wide for a book
+ % standard settings are too wide for a book
+ linewidth = 14.0 \cm;
}
})
-Before we will discuss the contents of the above, it would be best if
-you would try to enter and save this text with a text editor, compile
-it with LilyPond and view the output. Details of this procedure may
-vary from system to system. On a Unix system, you should enter the
-input in a file ending in file(.ly), such as file(menuet.ly). To
-create the output, one would issue
-verb(
- ly2dvi menuet
-)
-file(ly2dvi) is a little program that does the job of calling the LilyPond
-and
-TeX() and adjusting page margins.
+Enter it (or copy it, the filename is file(menuet.ly)), compile it
+with LilyPond and view the output. Details of this procedure may vary
+from system to system. To create the output, one would issue the
+command `code(ly2dvi menuet)'. file(ly2dvi) is a program that does
+the job of running LilyPond and TeX(), handling of titles and
+adjusting of page margins.
-If all goes well, this will create the output file file(menuet.dvi).
-To view this output, isssue the command
-verb(
- xdvi menuet
-)
+If all goes well, the file file(menuet.dvi) will be created.
+To view this output, issue the command `code(xdvi menuet)'.
-[running on W32?]
+Now that we are familiar with the procedure of producing output, we
+will analyse the input, line by line.COMMENT(
-Now for some explanation of the input itself, we will dissect the
-input line by line
+)verb(
+ % lines preceded by a percent are comments.
+)COMMENT(
-verb(\input "paper16.ly")
+)The percent sign, `code(%)', introduces a line comment. If you want to
+make larger comments, you can use block comments. These are delimited
+by `code(%{)' and `code(%})'COMMENT(
-By default, LilyPond will use definitions for a staff of 20 point
-high. If you want smaller output (e.g., 16 point), you have to import
-the setting for that size. You can do this by including a file.
-code(\include "file") is replaced by the contents of the code(file).
+)verb(
+ \input "paper16.ly"
+)COMMENT(
+)By default, LilyPond will use definitions for a 20
+nop(point)footnote(A point is the standard measure of length for
+printing. One point is 1/72.27 inch.) high staff. We want smaller
+output (16 point staff height), so we must import the settings for
+that size, which is done.COMMENT(
-verb(\score {
-)
+)verb(
+ \score {
+) COMMENT(
-A mudela file combines music with directions for outputting that
+) A mudela file combines music with directions for outputting that
music. The music is combined with the output directions by putting
them into a code(\score) block.
verb(
- \notes % get ready for notes
-)
-This makes LilyPond ready for accepting notes. The percent sign
-(code(%)) introduces a line comment. If you want make larger
-comments, you can use block comments. These are delimited by code(%{)
-and code(%})
-
-verb(
- \relative c'' % octave quotes are relative now
-)
-As we will see, pitches are combinations of octave, note name and
-chromatic alteration. In this scheme, the octave is indicated by using raised
-quotes (') and lowered" quotes (commas: code(,)). The central C is denoted
-by code(c'). The C one octave higher is code(c''). One and two
-octaves below central C is denoted by code(c) and code(c,)
-respectively.
-
-If you have to indicate the pitches in a long piece that is written in
-either a high or very low octave, you would have to type very many
-quotes. To remedy this, LilyPond has a so-called "relative" octave
-entry mode. In this mode, notes without quotes are chosen in such an
-octave that they are the closest to the preceding note. If you add a
-high-quote an extra octave is added. The lowered quote will substract
-an octave. Because the first note obviously has no predecessor, you
-have to give the (absolute) pitch of the note to start with.
+ \notes
+) COMMENT(
+)This makes LilyPond ready for accepting notes.
verb(
- { % sequential music follows
+ \relative c''
+)COMMENT(
+
+) As we will see, pitches are combinations of octave, note name and
+chromatic alteration. In this scheme, the octave is indicated by
+using raised quotes (`code(')') and ``lowered'' quotes (commas:
+`code(,)'). The central C is denoted by code(c'). The C one octave
+higher is code(c''). One and two octaves below the central C is
+denoted by code(c) and code(c,) respectively.
+
+For pitches in a long piece you might have to type many quotes. To
+remedy this, LilyPond has a ``relative'' octave entry mode. In this
+mode, octaves of notes without quotes are chosen such that a note is
+as close as possible (graphically, on the staff) to the the preceding
+note. If you add a high-quote an extra octave is added. The lowered
+quote (a comma) will substract an extra octave. Because the first note
+has no predecessor, you have to give the (absolute) pitch of the note
+to start with.COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \sequential {
+)COMMENT(
+
+) What follows is sequential music, i.e.,
+notes that are to be played and printed after each other.COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \time 3/4;
) COMMENT(
-) The brace indicates that what follows is sequential music, i.e.,
-notes that are to be played and printed after each other. This is in
-contrast with simultaneous music: notes that are to be played like a
-chord. You should be careful not to confuse this brace with the one
-coming after code(\score).
+) This command changes the time signature of the current piece: a 3/4
+sign is printed. This command is also used to generate bar lines in
+the right spots.COMMENT(
+)verb(
+ \key g;
+)COMMENT(
-verb(
- \time 3/4; % set the time signature.
-) COMMENT(
+) This command changes the current key to G-major. Although this
+command comes after the code(\time) command, in the output, the key
+signature comes before the time signature: LilyPond knows about music
+typesetting conventions. COMMENT(
-) This command changes the time signature of the current piece: this
-prints a 3/4 sign. The 3/4 value is also used to generate bar lines
-in the right spots.
-verb(
- \key G;
+)verb(
+ \repeat "volta" 2
) COMMENT(
-) This command changes the current key to G-major. Notice that in the
-output, the key comes before the time signature, like it should be.
-verb(
- d4
-) COMMENT(
+) This command tells LilyPond that the following piece of music must
+be played twice; code("volta") volta brackets should be used for
+alternatives---if there were any.
+COMMENT(
-) This is a code(d) note. The relative music was started with a
-code(c''), the real pitch of this note is code(d''). The 4 is
-designates the duration of the note (it is a quarter note).
-verb(
- [g,8
-)
-The open bracket starts a beam. This bracket is connected to the
-following note, which is an eighth pitch code(g') (remember relative mode)
-verb(
- a b
-)
-These are notes with pitch code(a') and code(b'). Because their
-duration is the same as the code(g), there is no need to enter the
-duration (It is not illegal to enter it anyway. Then you would have
-to enter code(a8 b8))
-verb(
- c]
-)
-This ends the beam started 4 notes before at the c. In the output,
-you will notice a measure bar following this note. You do not have to
-enter anything to make LilyPond create a bar. Instead Lily deduce
-where bars have to be by comparing durations of notes with the current
-time signature.
-verb(
- d4 g, g |
-)
-3 more notes. The code(|) is a "barcheck". When processing the
-music, LilyPond will check that barchecks are found at the start of
-a bar precisely. This makes it easy to spot where one left out a
-note.
-verb(
- e'4 [c8 d e fis]
-)
-Up till now, no notes were chromaticall altered. Here is the first
-one that is: code(fis). Mudela by default uses Dutch note names, and
-``Fis'' is the Dutch note name for ``F
-sharp''. However, there is no sharp sign in the output. The program
-keeps track of key signatures, and will only print accidentals if they
-are needed.
-
-The next 2 lines are not very interesting, nothing happens what we
-haven't seen already. The next line introduces a small new feature:
-verb(
- a4 [b8 a g fis] g2. |
-)
-A duration that is to be augmented with a duration dot, is notated
-with a number followed by periods, as many as you want augmentation
-dots.
-verb(
- \bar ":|"; % a repeat sign
-)
-Lily can not detect where you want your music to be repeated, so you
-have to instruct her: a special bar symbol can be entered by the
-code(\bar) command followed by a string that signifies the bar symbol
-that you want. Then comes a semicolon to separate the string from the
-rest of the notes, analogously with code(\key) and code(\time).
-verb(
- cis'4 [b8 cis] a4 |
-)
-This line shows that Lily will print an accidental if that is needed:
-the first C sharp will be printed with an accidental, the second without.
-verb(
- [a8-. b-. cis-. d-. e-. fis-. ]
- % try some super and subscripts.
-)
-There is more to music than just pitches and rhythms. An important
-aspect is articulation. You can enter articulation signs either in an
-abbreviated form, e.g., by using code(-.) for staccato as shown above.
+)verb(
+ {
+)COMMENT(
-verb(
- fis a, r8 cis8
-)
-Rests are denoted by the special notename code(r). You can also make
-an invisible rest by using the special notename code(s).
-verb(d2.-\fermata)
-Finally, all articulations has a verbose form, like code(\fermata).
-The ``command'' COMMENT(Hi Adrian :-)
-code(\fermata) is not part of the core of the language (most of the
-other discussed elements are), but it is an abbreviation of a more
-complicated description of a fermata. code(\fermata) refers to that
-abbreviation and is therefore called an em(identifier).
+)The subject of the repeat is again sequential music. Since
+code(\sequential) is such a common construct, a shorthand is provided:
+just leave off code(\sequential), and the result is the same. COMMENT(
-verb(
- }
-)
-This ends the sequential music.
+)verb(
+ d4
+)COMMENT(
-verb(\paper {
- linewidth = 10.0\cm;
-})
-This specifies a conversion from music to notation output. Most of
-the details of this conversions (font sizes, dimensions, etc.) have
-been taken care of, but to fit the output in this document, it has
-to be smaller. We do this by setting the line width to 10 centimeter
-(approximately 4 inches).
+) This is a note with pitch code(d) (determined up to octaves). The
+relative music was started with a code(c''), so the real pitch of this
+note is code(d''). The code(4) designates the duration of the note
+(it is a quarter note). COMMENT(
-verb(
- }
-)
-Finally, the last brace ends the code(\score) block.
-
-
-
-There are a couple of things to note here. The input format tries to
-capture the meaning of em(music), and not notation. Therefore the
-format contains musical concepts like pitches and durations, in stead
-of symbols and positions. Second, the format tries to be
-em(context-free): a note will remain to sound the same regardless of
-the current time signature, the key nop(etc.)COMMENT(footnote The
-code(\relative) mode is a concession to this, but a )
-
-
-The purpose of LilyPond informally is explained by the term `music
-typesetter'. As you may have figured out by now, this is not a really
-adequate name: not only does the program print musical symbols, it
-also tries to make esthetic decisions, and it also em(generates) both
-the symbols and the decisions from a high-level musical description.
-In other words, the function of LilyPond would be best described by
-`music compiler' or `music to notation compiler'.
-
-We find that ---once you master the language--- there are big
-advantages of using LilyPond over GUI oriented programs: first,
-entering music is quite efficient. Second, it is possible to explain
-exactly what the meaning piece of mudela is, and you can transform
-these pieces automatically (eg, by transposing them). Third, the
-program that is not interactive, so much less tradeoffs have to be
-made between processing speed and the beauty of the output: you get
-prettier output by using LilyPond.
-
-
-As you can see, the most interesting parts of the input is music
-itself, in this case the sequence of notes. We will therefore focus
-on entering music for now. Consequently, when we mean
-verb(\score {
- \notes { XXXX }
- \paper { }
-})
-we will leave out the the repetitive details and just print
-code(XXXX).
+)verb(
+ a b
+)COMMENT(
+)These are notes with pitch code(a') and code(b'). Because their
+duration is the same as the code(g), there is no need to enter the
+duration (You may enter it anyway, eg. code(a4 b4)) COMMENT(
+)verb(
+ d4 g, g |
+)COMMENT(
-sect(When you know the notes to nop(print)ellipsis())
+) Three more notes. The `code(|)' character is a `barcheck'. When
+processing the music, LilyPond will verify that barchecks are found at
+the start of a measure. This can help you track down errors.
+COMMENT(
-The basic building block of music is the note. We lightly touched
-notes in the previous example. Here comes the full explanation A note
-is made of a pitch and a duration. The pitch of the central C is
-written as code(c'). This is in line with musicological notation;
-there this pitch is transcribed as nop(c)sups(1) or c'. A
-quarter-note duration is written as code(4). So, to print a quarter
-note whose pitch is central C, you enter the following code(c'4).
+)verb(
+ e'4
+) COMMENT(
-subsect(Duration)
+) So far, no notes were chromatically altered. Here is the first one
+that is: code(fis). Mudela by default uses Dutch note names, and
+``Fis'' is the Dutch note name for ``F sharp''. However, there is no
+sharp sign in the output. The program keeps track of key signatures,
+and will only print accidentals if they are needed.
+COMMENT(
-The duration of a note is specified as a number: a whole note is
-denoted by 1, a half note by 2, a quarter by 4, and so on. If you
-want to augment a duration with a dot, simply affix a period to the
-number. You can also print notes longer than a whole. You do this by
-using identifiers (code(\breve) and code(\longa):
-Here are some random notes to show how it works.
+)verb(
+ c8 d e fis
+)COMMENT(
-verb(
- c'\longa c'\breve
- c'1 c'2 c'4 c'8 c'16 c'32 c'64 c'64 c'2. c'8. c'16
-)
+)LilyPond guesses were beams can be added to eighth and shorter notes.
+In this case, a beam over 4 eighths is added.
+COMMENT(
-mudela()(
-\score {
- \notes {
- c'\longa c'\breve
- c'1 c'2 c'4 c'8 c'16 c'32 c'64 c'64 c'2. c'8. c'16
- }
- \paper {
- linewidth = -1.0;
- \translator { \StaffContext
- \remove "Staff_symbol_engraver";
- \remove "Bar_engraver";
- }}}
-
-)
+)verb(
+ c4 d8( )c b a( )b4 c8 b a g |
+) COMMENT(
-subsect(Basic pitches)
-
-The pitch code(c') consists of two parts: one part for the
-note name, and one for the octave. The letter specifies which note
-name to use: note names simply are the letters code(a) to code(g).
-The number of apostrophes specifies the octave to use: the central C
-is denoted by code(c').footnote(By convention, the A above central C
-at concert pitch is the tone that is used to tune instruments. Its
-frequency is about 440 Hz.) The C which is an eighth higher (the C in
-the ``two-line octave'') is denoted by code(c''): every octave adds a
-quote. A note name without quotes designates the pitch below code(c')
-(the C in the ``small octave''). If you want to go down even further,
-commas should be added, e.g., the C in the ``contra octave'' is
-expressed as code(c,,).footnote(The comma is meant to represent a
-sunken apostrophe.)
-
-This example demonstrates pitches
-mudela(fragment,verbatim,center)(
- c,,4 c, c c' c'' c''' d'4 e'4 f'4 g'4
-)
+) The next line shows how to make a slur:
+the beginning and ending note of the slur is marked with an opening and
+closing parenthesis respectively. In the line shown above this is
+done for two slurs. Slur markers (parentheses) are between
+the notes.COMMENT(
+)verb(
+ a4 [b8 a] [g fis]
+)COMMENT(
+
+)Automatic beaming can be overridden by inserting beam marks
+(brackets). Brackets are put around notes you want beamed.COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ g2. |
+)COMMENT(
+
+)A duration with augmentation dot is notated
+with the duration number followed by a period.COMMENT(
+)verb(
+ }
+) COMMENT(
+) This ends the sequential music to be repeated. LilyPond will typeset
+a repeat bar. COMMENT(
-subsect(Alterations)
-
-We have so far ignored chromatically altered pitches. The names `a'
-to `g' for entering pitches are convenient: they are short,
-pronounceable and they resemble the words for pitches in normal
-musical vocabulary.
-
-Enter flats and sharps. In English there is no standard terse word
-for C sharp or C flat. For this reason, mudela uses a different,
-non-English convention for entering altered pitches: a note is made
-sharp by adding the suffix `--is' to its name, and flat by adding the
-suffix `--es'. For a double sharp another `--is' suffix is added, for
-flats another `--es' suffix. The names for the alterations of C are
-given in bind(Table)ref(notename-tab).
-
-latexcommand(\begin{table}[h])
- center(
- table(2)(ll)(
- row(cell(english)cell(LilyPond))
- rowline()
- row(cell(c double flat)cell(ceses))
- row(cell(c flat)cell(ces))
- row(cell(c natural)cell(c))
- row(cell(c sharp)cell(cis))
- row(cell(c double sharp)cell(cisis))
- )
- )
- latexcommand(\caption{Default note names})
- label(notename-tab)
-latexcommand(\end{table})
-
-Variations on this convention are used in a number of germanic
-languages, notably Dutch, German, Swedish, and Norwegian.
-
-Throughout this document we will continue to use these names.footnote(
- Mudela defaults to Dutch notenames. To make (Dutch) pronunciation
- easier, the a-flat and e-flat are contracted to code(as) and
- code(es). Similarly, the a double flat and e double flat are
- contracted to code(ases) and code(eses). For consistency, the dutch
- names also include code(aes), code(aeses), code(ees) and
- code(eeses)) consistency
-
-If you are not comfortable with these names, you can make your own.
-Note names for different languages are included with the example
-initialisation files, amongst others English (C sharp is abbreviated
-to code(cs)), Italian, Swedish and Norwegian. If you want to use
-these names, issue code(\include "LANGUAGE.ly") where you could
-substitute code(italiano), code(deutsch) etc. for LANGUAGE. You
-should include these files at toplevel, i.e., before opening a
-code(\score) block.
-
-
-sect(Chords)
-
-The previous examples all notes that were to be played sequentially, one
-note following the other. You can also use LilyPond to typeset
-chords. You do this by expressing in mudela simultaneous music,
-i.e., notes that are to be played concurrently.
-
-In Mudela you can form simultaneous music by enclosing notes in
-pointed parentheses, bind(i.e.)bind(langle())bind(and)rangle(). ASCII
-doesn't really have these delimiters, so Mudela uses the larger-than
-(code(>)) and smaller-than (code(<)) signs instead. For example, a
-D-major chord is expressed as
-mudela(fragment,verbatim,center)(
- <d'8 fis'8 a'8 d''8>
-)
+)verb(
+ cis'4 b8 cis a4 |
+) COMMENT(
-Chords can be entered in the music in the same places that notes
-can. As an example we give a snippet of ``Twinkle Twinkle Little
-Star'' in chords. The chords may seem slightly unconventional, but
-they only serve to show how chords work. We've aligned the chords in
-the input on their starting beat just to help you reading it. This
-layout does not influence the typesetting result in any way.
-
-mudela(verbatim, fragment)(
- \relative c' {
- \time 2/4;
- c4 c <c g'> <c e g>
- <c e a> <b d a'> <b2 d g>
- <a4 d f> <bes d f> <bes c e> <g c e>
- <e a d> <a, g' cis'> <d2 f d'>
- }
-)
+)This line shows that Lily will print an accidental if that is
+needed: the first C sharp will be printed with an accidental, the
+second one without. COMMENT(
-You can nest simultaneous and sequential music in any way you want,
-e.g.,
-mudela(verbatim,fragment)(
- < { c''4 c''4 }
- { c8 <c e> c <c e> } >
-)
-As you can see, LilyPond has some difficulty typesetting this
-elegantly. To adequately solve this, you have to persuade LilyPond to
-make separate stems for both sequential music lists. This is a topic
-that is covered in bind(Section)ref(sec:polyphonic).
-
-
-sect(Adding nuances: articulation and dynamics)
-
-Having just chords and notes does not give you real music. Real music
-has more liveliness to it: music can have articulation, dynamics
-(louder and softer), etc. This liveliness has notation, so LilyPond
-can print it. We'll start out by explaining how to obtain the
-smallest grains of nuance: the articulation of a single note. Articulation
-is entered by writing a dash and the name of the desired articulation
-mark. You have to add a backslash in front of the name to distinguish
-it from the name of a note. mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
- c''4-\staccato
- c''4-\tenuto )
-
-Typing a lot of staccato notes in this syntax will get tedious very
-quickly. Therefore, Mudela has some handy abbreviations for
-articulation marks such as staccato and tenuto. They are shown in the
-following example:
-
-mudela()(
-\score{ <
- \property Score.textstyle = typewriter
- \type Staff \notes {
- c''4-.
- c''4--
- c''4-+
- c''4-|
- c''4->
- c''4-^
- }
- \type Lyrics\lyrics {
- "."4 "-" "+" "|" ">" "\^{ }" }
- >
- \paper { linewidth = 12.\cm; }
-})
+)verb(
+ a8-. b-. cis-. d-. e-. fis-.
+)COMMENT(
-Text and digits for fingering can be entered in the same manner: add a
-dash and the text or digit to be printed:
-mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
- c''4-1 g''4-5 c''-"Sul tasto" )
-Currently, the meaning of the
-syntax `note-dash-digit/articulation/text' is just ``add a superscript to this
-note.'' This is not in line with our goal to em(define) music with
-Mudela. We hope that this will be fixed in a future version of the
-language. In the meantime you can abuse this: the super- and
-subscripts can be forced into up or down position respectively by entering an
-a caret (code(^)) or an underscore, code(_) instead of the dash:
-mudela(fragment,verbatim,center)(
- c'4-^ c'4^^ c'''4-^ c'''4_^
-)
+)You can enter articulation signs either in a verbose form using a
+shorthand. Here we demonstrate the shorthand: it is formed by a dash
+and the the character for the articulation to use, e.g. `code(-.)' for
+staccato as shown above. COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ fis a, r8 cis8
+) COMMENT(
-Dynamic markings are another way to add a nuance to a note. They are
-entered by adding the name for the dynamic sign after the note. You
-should not enter a dash between the name and the note.footnote(This
- is inconsistent. We hope that this will be fixed in a later
- version of the language.)
-mudela(verbatim,fragment)(
- c4 \ff c4 \fp c4 c4 \ppp c4 c4 \sfz
)
-COMMENT(UGH)
+Rests are denoted by the special notename `code(r)'. You can also enter
+an invisible rest by using the special notename `code(s)'.
+verb(
+ d2.-\fermata
+) COMMENT(
-sect(Bridging the notes: beams, slurs and ties)
+)All articulations have a verbose form, like code(\fermata). The
+command `code(\fermata)' is not part of the core of the language (most
+of the other discussed elements are), but it is a shorthand for a more
+complicated description of a fermata. code(\fermata) names that
+description and is therefore called an em(identifier). COMMENT(
-Up till now most of the typesetting concerned simple fixed symbols
-only. Now we turn to variable symbols: symbols that run from one note
-to another. In LilyPond terminology, such a symbol is called a
-em(spanner). To print a spanner, you have to attach a marker to the
-note that begins it and to the one that ends it.
+)verb(
+ }
+) COMMENT(
+)
+Here the music ends.
+COMMENT(
-The first example of such a symbol is the slur. For the slur, the
-start marker is the opening parenthesis. It won't be a surprise that
-the stopping marker is the closing parenthesis.
-For example:
-mudela(fragment,center,verbatim)( c'4( )c'4 )
+)verb(
+ \paper {
+ linewidth = 14.0\cm;
+ }
+)COMMENT(
-Notice that the parentheses should be between the notes.footnote(The
-location of the parentheses might be changed in a future version of
-the language.)
+)This specifies a conversion from music to notation output. Most of
+the details of this conversions (font sizes, dimensions, etc.) have
+been taken care of, but to fit the output in this document, it has
+to be smaller. We do this by setting the line width to 14 centimeters
+(approximately 6 inches).
+COMMENT(
-It is your job to make sure that each slur that you start also ends.
-If it doesn't end, then Bad Things are likely to happen. The slur is
-quite flexible: you can nest nop(slurs,)footnote(This is inconsistent
-when compared to the syntax for articulation hints. This will be
-fixed some time, we hope.) and you can connect a note with a slur on
-both the left and the right side:
+)verb(
+ }
+)COMMENT(
-mudela(fragment,verbatim,center)(
- c'4(( )c''4 )c'4( )g'4
-)
+)The last brace ends the code(\score) block.
-Another spanner is the beam (see bind(Figure)ref(mud:beam)). Strictly
-speaking, a beam is not a musical concept. The pattern of a beam can
-be derived from the structure of the time signature and the durations
-of the notes. It is merely a device that helps you understand the
-rhythms notated. Unfortunately, LilyPond is not smart enough to insert
-beams into your music on her own. You will have to instruct her by
-marking the starting and stopping point of the beam with `code([)' and
-`code(])' respectively, e.g.
-
-latexcommand(\begin{figure}[h])
- center(
- mudela(fragment,verbatim, center)([c'8 c'] [c'16 c' c' c'] [c'16. c'32 c' c'16.] )
- latexcommand(\caption{Some beams})
- label(mud:beam)
- )
-latexcommand(\end{figure})
-
-LilyPond has code that guesses what the pattern should look like, so
-that you don't have to specify the beaming for complicated
-patterns.footnote(Unfortunately the algorithm used is not foolproof yet:
- code([c8. c32 c32]) will produce incorrect results.)
-
-Again, it is your responsibility to make sure that you end every beam
-that you start.
-
-A third spanner is similar to the slur: the tie. The tie looks like a
-slur, but a slur connects whole chords, whereas the tie connects
-note heads. Tied notes should be played as one long note.
-In analogy with TeX()'s tie (which ties together words with a
-space), LilyPond's tie is entered as a tilde, `code(~)'.
-
-The input convention for the tilde is somewhat peculiar when used in
-conjunction with chords. Internally, the extra information that is
-represented by the tilde has to be attached to a note (or to a rest,
-for that matter). For this reason, you can't put the tilde between
-two chords (as in code( <c' g'> ~ <c' g'>)). The tilde sign must be
-directly after a note of the chords. It does not matter which
-one. The following example demonstrates the use of ties:
-mudela(fragment,verbatim,center)(
- c''1 ~ c''4
- <c'1 ~ g' es''> <c'4 g' es''>
-)
+There are two things to note here. The format contains musical
+concepts like pitches and durations, instead of symbols and positions:
+the input format tries to capture the meaning of em(music), and not
+notation. Therefore Second, the format tries to be em(context-free):
+a note will sound the same regardless of the current time signature,
+the key, etc.
-sect(Commands)
-label(sec:commands)
+The purpose of LilyPond is explained informally by the term `music
+typesetter'. This is not a fully correct name: not only does the
+program print musical symbols, it also makes esthetic decisions. All
+symbols and their placement is em(generated) from a high-level musical
+description. In other words, LilyPond would be best
+described by `music compiler' or `music to notation compiler'.
-We have focused on printing notes. Notation contains many other
-constructs, constructs that help you with reading those notes.
-Examples of such constructs are clefs, time signatures, keys etc.
-LilyPond will try to generate these constructs as much as possible,
-but not all such hints can be inserted automatically, and you can also
-override some of the settings. This can be done by inserting various
-commands between the music. The general form of these commands is
-COMMENT(
-)center( em(keyword) sc(arguments) )
-
-em(keyword)s are words that have a special meaning to the parser of
-Mudela. Because the parser must be able to distinguish the keywords
-from note names, they have to be preceded by a so-called escape
-character, the backslash, `code(\)'. To separate the arguments from
-any notes that might follow the arguments, you have to end your
-command with a semicolon. An added benefit of this construction is
-that the commands stand out between your notes, because of the
-backslashes.
-
-So the general form actually is `code(\keyword argument argument ... ;)'
-Let us review these commands:
-
-description(
-dit(code(\clef) var(clefname)) This command sets the current clef for notation,
- i.e., a clef symbol is printed and the notes following this command
- are shifted vertically. The argument is a string, the name of the
- new clef. The default clef is the treble clef.
- mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
- \clef "bass"; c'4
- \clef "treble"; c'4
- \clef "alto"; c'4
- )
-dit(code(\key) var(pitch) var(type)) This command changes the current
- key signature. The key signature is printed at the start of every
- line. The var(type) argument is set to code(\major) or code(\minor)
- to get major or minor keys, respectively. Omitting the second
- argument gives major keys. The key of C-minor can thus be specified
- as `code(\key es)' or `code(\key \c minor)'.
-
-dit(code(\keysignature) var(pitchlist))
-
-This command changes the current key signature. Unlike the
-`code(\key)' command, this command can produce arbitrary key
-signatures, which can be useful for unconventional keys or modes. The
-key signature is given in the form of a list of notes. The notes will
-be printed in the key signature in the order that they appear on the list.
-For example, the key
-of C-minor can be specified as `code(\keysignature bes es as)'. The
-command `code(\keysignature fis es bis)' provides a more exotic
-example.
-
-
-dit(code(\time) var(numerator)code(/)var(denominator))
- This command changes the current time signature. LilyPond uses the
- time signature to
- calculate where to place the bars that start a measure. These bars
- in turn are the places where a system can be broken into lines.
-
- The default value for this time signature is common time (4/4). You
- can also tell this from the Twinkle ``Twinkle Little
-Star'' example in bind(Figure)ref(fig:twinkle1). This
-song actually has a 2/4 time signature, so a metrically more correct
- version would start with as follows:
- mudela(fragment,center,verbatim)(
- \time 2/4; c'4 c' g' g'
- )
-
-
-dit(code(\cadenza) var(togglevalue)) When typesetting music without a
-regular meter (such as an ad libitum cadenza), no bar lines should be
-printed. In LilyPond you can achieve this by issuing the command
-`code(\cadenza 1)': it turns off the automatically
-generated bar lines.
-
-You switch them on again with `code(\cadenza 0)', and then a bar line
-is printed. LilyPond will act as if you are again at the start of a
-measure.
-
-dit(code(\bar) var(bartype))
- This command lets you print special bar
- lines and repeat symbols. You can also use it to allow line breaks
- when entering cadenzas. The argument var(bartype) is a string that
- describes what kind of bar line to print.
-
-mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
- \bar "|:"; c'4 \bar ":|:"; c'4 \bar ":|"; c'4 \bar "||";
- c'4 \bar "empty"; c'4 \bar "|.";
-)
- The command `code(\bar "empty")' does not create any visible bar
- line, but it does tells LilyPond to allow a linebreak
- at that position. The `code(\bar)' command prints the specified
- symbol immediately. If you give a `code(\bar)' command at the end
- of a measure then
- the specified symbol replaces the automatic bar line; otherwise
- the specified symbol appears in the middle of the measure. The
- code(\bar) command does not affect metric structure.
+sect(Lyrics and chords)
+In this section we show how to typeset a song of unknown
+origin.footnote(The author would welcome information about the origin
+of this song.).
-
-dit(code(\partial) var(duration)) some music starts with a measure that
-isn't fully filled, a so-called upstep. The code(\partial) command
-allows you to make
-upsteps. The argument is a duration similar to the duration of a note.
-The `code(\partial)' command cannot be used to generate partial
-measures in the middle of the music.
-Example:
- mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
- \time 4/4;
- \partial 4;
- [d'8 dis'] e' c''4 e'8 c''4
- )
-
- dit(code(\grouping) var(durationslist)) sets the metric structure of the measure.
- Its effect can best be shown by an example:
- mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
- \time 5/16;
- \grouping 16*3 16*2;
- [c'8 c'16 c'8]
- \grouping 16*2 16*3;
- [c'8 c'16 c'8]
- \grouping 16*5 ;
- [c'8 c'16 c'8]
- )
-
-In practice, you won't be needing this command very often: the
-grouping is switched automatically when you issue a code(\time)
-command. It is set to a combination of groups
-of 2 and 3 beats, with as many groups of
-3 as possible (in other words: 4/4 is divided in two times two beats
-(2+2), 8/8 in 3+3+2)
-)
+verb(\header {
+ title = "The river is flowing";
+ composer = "Traditional (?)";
+}
+\include "paper16.ly"
+melody = \notes \relative c' {
+ \partial 8;
+ g8 |
+ c4 c8 d [es () d] c4 | f4 f8 g [es() d] c g |
+ c4 c8 d [es () d] c4 | d4 es8 d c4.
+ \bar "|.";
+}
-The commands that are described above aren't really music, but they
-can be used in the same places as notes. This makes the grammar of the
-language simpler. It is possible to put a command into a chord.
-For example, the following two snippets of Mudela produce identical output.
-verb(
- <c4 e g \time 2/4;>
- \time 2/4; <c4 e g>
-)
+text = \lyrics {
+ The ri -- ver is flo- __ wing, flo -- wing and gro -- wing, the
+ ri -- ver is flo -- wing down to the sea.
+}
-sect(Notation context)
-
-This section is about translation contexts, a topic of LilyPond that
-is somewhat advanced. You don't have to understand this to use
-LilyPond to print simple music. If you don't want to typeset fancy
-polyphonic music or tweak the LilyPond notation engine, you can skip
-the next two sections.
-
-In bind(Section)ref(tutorial:more-staffs) it was explained, that there
-are more ways to notate a simple chord: as a single voice on a single
-staff or in multiple staffs (and we'll soon see, that you can typeset
-it as multiple voices on a staff). Obviously the concept of staff is not
-really something musical. But what is it
-
-The most simplistic explanation is: a staff is a peculiarity of the
-notation system. In other words, a staff is a graphic device, a
-special picture of five lines on which one can print note heads. To
-avoid confusion, we will call this view on the concept of staff
-`staff symbol' from now on.
-
-There is more to it than meets the eye and mind. A staff
-contains---besides a staff symbol--- some more components:
-itemize(
-it()A staff can have a key signature (printed at the left)
-it()A staff can have a time signature (printed at the left)
-it()A staff has bar lines
-it()A staff has a clef (printed at the left)
-)
-To explain what a staff really is, we'll try to print music without
-these components. If these components aren't printed, it is still
-possible to print music:
-mudela()(\score{
-\notes \relative c' { \time 2/4; g'4 c,4 a'4 f4 e c d2 }
-\paper {
- linewidth = -1.;
- \translator {
- \StaffContext
- \remove "Time_signature_engraver";
- \remove "Bar_engraver";
- \remove "Staff_symbol_engraver";
- \remove "Clef_engraver";
- \remove "Key_engraver";
- }
- }
+accompaniment =\chords {
+ r8
+ c2-3- f-3-.7 d-min es4 c8-min r8
+ c2-min f-min7 g-7^3.5 c-min }
+
+\score {
+ \simultaneous {
+% \accompaniment
+ \context ChordNames \accompaniment
+
+ \addlyrics
+ \context Staff = mel {
+ \property Staff.noAutoBeaming = "1"
+ \property Staff.automaticMelismata = "1"
+ \melody
+ }
+ \context Lyrics \text
+ }
+ \midi { }
+ \paper { linewidth = 10.0\cm; }
})
-As you can see, one can still make out the general form of the melody
-and the rhythm that is to be played, but the notation is difficult to
-read and the musical information is not complete. The stress pattern
-in the notes can't be deduced from this output. For this, we need a
-time signature:
-mudela()(
-\score {
- \notes \relative c' { \time 2/4; g'4 c,4 a'4 f4 e c d2 }
- \paper{
- linewidth = -1.;
-\translator{
- \StaffContext
- \remove "Bar_engraver";
- \remove "Staff_symbol_engraver";
- \remove "Clef_engraver";
- \remove "Key_engraver";
- }}
- })
-
-Technically speaking you know where the strong and weak beats are, but
-it is difficult to find them quickly. Bar lines help you in finding
-the location within the measure of the notes:
-mudela()(
-\score {
- \notes \relative c' { \time 2/4; g'4 c,4 a'4 f4 e c d2 }
- \paper{
- linewidth = -1.;
-\translator{
- \StaffContext
- \remove "Staff_symbol_engraver";
- \remove "Clef_engraver";
- \remove "Key_engraver";}
- }
- }
+The result would look nop(this)footnote(The titling and font size shown
+may differ, since the titling in this document is not generated by
+file(ly2dvi).).
+
+center(bf(Large(The river is flowing))
+
+var(Traditional (?))
)
-We can remedy part of the difficulties with reading pitches by adding a staff
-symbol:
+mudela(center)(\header {
+ title = "The river is flowing";
+ composer = "Traditional (?)";
+}
+\include "paper16.ly"
+melody = \notes \relative c' {
+ \partial 8;
+ g8 |
+ c4 c8 d [es () d] c4 | f4 f8 g [es() d] c g |
+ c4 c8 d [es () d] c4 | d4 es8 d c4.
+ \bar "|.";
+}
-mudela()(\score{
- \notes\relative c' { \time 2/4; g'4 c,4
-a'4 f4 e c d2 } \paper {
- linewidth = -1.;
- \translator {
- \StaffContext
+text = \lyrics {
+ The ri -- ver is flo- __ wing, flo -- wing and gro -- wing, the
+ ri -- ver is flo -- wing down to the sea.
+}
- \remove "Clef_engraver";
- \remove "Key_engraver";
- }
- }
-})
+accompaniment =\chords {
+ r8
+ c2-3- f-3-.7 d-min es4 c8-min r8
+ c2-min f-min7 g-7^3.5 c-min }
-This makes the output decidedly easier to read, but you still don't
-know what the pitches of the notes above are. So this is still not
-enough. But suppose you see the following notation:
-mudela()(\score {
- \notes \relative c' {\clef alto; \time 2/4; g'4 c,4 a'4 f4 e c d2 }
- \paper {
- linewidth = -1.;
- }
+\score {
+ \simultaneous {
+% \accompaniment
+ \context ChordNames \accompaniment
+
+ \addlyrics
+ \context Staff = mel {
+ \property Staff.noAutoBeaming = "1"
+ \property Staff.automaticMelismata = "1"
+ \melody
+ }
+ \context Lyrics \text
+ }
+ \midi { }
+ \paper { linewidth = 10.0\cm; }
})
-Now you know the pitch of the notes: you look at the start of the line
-and see a clef, with this clef, you can determine the notated pitches.
-You have found the em(context) in which the notation is to be
-interpreted!
-
-So the context determines the relationship between a piece of music
-and its notation: you, the reader, use context to deduce music from
-notation. Because LilyPond is a notation writer instead of a reader,
-context works the other way around for Lily: with context a piece of
-music can be converted to notation. The components of a staff form
-context, and context is needed to read and write notation. This
-motivates the following definition.
-
-quote(
-A bf(notation context) is a conversion from music to notation.
-)
-
-The example focused mainly on on staffs, but a staff is not the only
-type of notation context. Notation contexts may be nested: you can
-print polyphonic music by putting multiple `Voice' contexts in one
-`Staff' context. The arguments of the code(\type) command (Staff,
-GrandStaff) were in fact all names of different contexts.
-The notions of ``current clef'' and ``current position within the
-measure'' are all properties of notation contexts. Commands like
-code(\clef) and code(\cadenza) change these properties.
-
-
-The following is a list of the contexts that are supported by
-LilyPond:
-description(
-
-dit(Voice) The code(Voice) context is a context that corresponds to a
- voice on a staff. This context handles the conversion of noteheads,
- dynamic signs, stems, beams, super- and subscripts, slurs, ties and rests
-
-dit(Staff) The code(Staff) context handles clefs, bar lines, keys,
- accidentals. A code(Staff) context can contain multiple code(Voice)
- contexts.
-
-dit(RhythmicStaff) The code(RhythmicStaff) context is like the staff,
- but much simpler: the notes are printed on one line, and pitches are
- ignored. code(RhythmicStaff) can contain code(Voice) contexts.
-
-dit(GrandStaff) A code(GrandStaff) context contains code(Staff)
- contexts, and it adds a brace to the output at the
- nop(left.)footnote(This is a major deficiency in the current
- implementation. Currently stems,
- slurs and beams cannot be printed across two staffs.
-In reality, a grand staff is a hybrid of one big staff and two stacked staffs.)
-
- A code(GrandStaff) context can contain multiple
- code(Staff)s. Typically, it will contain two code(Staff)s, one
- treble staff, and one bass staff. The bar lines of the contained
- staffs are connected vertically.
-
-dit(StaffGroup) A code(StaffGroup) context contains code(Staff) or
- code(Lyrics) contexts, and prints a bracket at the left. The bar
- lines in the participating staffs are connected.
-
-dit(Lyrics) As its name suggests, The code(Lyrics) context deals with
- typesetting lyrics. This topic will be covered in
- bind(Section)ref(tutorial:lyrics).
-
-dit(Score) The code(Score) context is the toplevel context: no context can
- contain a code(Score) context. The code(Score) context handles the
- administration of time signatures. It also makes sure that items
- such as clefs, time signatures, and key-signatures are aligned across staffs.
-
- The code(Score) can contain code(Staff), code(StaffGroup), code(Lyrics), code(GrandStaff) and
- code(RhythmicStaff) contexts.
+Again, we will dissect the file line by line.COMMENT(
-COMMENT(do ChoireStaff)
-)
+)verb(
+ \header {
+)COMMENT(
+)Information about the music you are about to typeset goes into a
+code(\header) block. The information in this block is not used by
+LilyPond, but it is included in the output. file(ly2dvi) uses this
+information to print titles above the music.
+verb(
+ title = "The river is flowing";
+ composer = "Traditional (?)";)COMMENT(
- Later on, in bind(Section)ref(tutorial:engravers) we will
-explain how you can create your own contexts.
+)the code(\header) block contains assignments. An assignment starts
+with a string. (which is unquoted, in this case). Then comes the
+equal sign `code(=)'. After the equal sign comes the expression you
+want to store. In this case, you want to put in strings. The
+information has to be quoted here, because it contains spaces. The
+assignment is finished with a semicolon.COMMENT(
-If you are familiar with structured documents (like HTML, SGML or
-LaTeX()), you might see the analogy of a context with a stylesheet: a
-stylesheet is neither presentation nor information, but rather a
-recipe em(how) a specific piece of information should be presented.
-Analogously, a notation context is neither music nor notation, but the
-conversion between the two. The big difference with text is that in
-music notation the elements provided by context are essential to
-understanding what is notated.
+)verb(
+ \include "paper16.ly"
+)COMMENT(
+)Smaller size for inclusion in a book.COMMENT(
-sect(Nested music: more than one staff)
-label(tutorial:more-staffs)
+)verb(
+ melody = \notes \relative c' {
+)COMMENT(
-Now we explain how to typeset music that runs in multiple staffs.
-Consider the following---somewhat unrealistic---example:
+)The structure of the file will be the same as the previous one, a
+code(\score) block with music in it. To keep things readable, we will
+give the different parts of music names, and use names to construct
+music within the score block.
-mudela(fragment)(
- \type GrandStaff <e'4 {\clef bass; g4^""} >
+verb(
+ \partial 8;
)
- The music consists of two notes. Perhaps this is sheet music for a
-piano player, and one note is meant to be played with the left hand,
-and the other with the right hand. That music would sound the same if
-it were written as a single chord on a single staff, i.e.,
-mudela(fragment)(
- <g4 e'4>
-)
+The piece starts an anacrusis of one eighth. COMMENT(
+)verb(
+ c4 c8 d [es () d] c4 | f4 f8 g [es() d] c g |
+ c4 c8 d [es () d] c4 | d4 es8 d c4.
+ \bar "|.";
+)COMMENT(
-This is another example where we can see that there can be a difference
-between a musical idea, and the way it is expressed in notation.
+)We use explicit beaming. Since this is a song, we will turn automatic
+beams off, and use explicit beaming where needed.COMMENT(
-The Mudela construct for multiple staffs reflects the similarity
-between the two examples: to get multiple staffs in Mudela you enter a
-chord, with an additional instruction to tell LilyPond that the chord
-does not represent notes stacked together, but staffs stacked
-together.
+)verb(
+ }
+)COMMENT(
-If a piece of music is to be interpreted as a staff, then this can be
-expressed with the code(\type) construct. The following input says
-``the quarter note with pitch e should be put on a staff.''
+)This ends the definition of code(melody). Note that there are no
+semicolons after assignments at top level.COMMENT(
-verb(
- \type Staff e'4
-)COMMENT (
+)verb(
+ text = \lyrics {
+)COMMENT(
-) The same can be done for the other note, i.e.,
+)Another identifier assignment. This one is for the lyrics.
+Lyrics are formed by syllables that have duration, and not by
+notes. To make LilyPond parse words as syllables, switch it into
+lyrics mode with code(\lyrics). Again, the brace after code(\lyrics)
+is a shorthand for code(\sequential {). COMMENT(
-verb(
- \type Staff g4
-) COMMENT (
+)verb(
+ The4 ri -- ver is flo- __ wing, flo -- wing and gro -- wing, the
+ ri- ver is flo- __ wing down to the sea.
+ }
+)COMMENT(
-) If you want to stack these staffs, you must create a chord of both:
+)The syllables themselves are separated by spaces. You can get syllable
+extenders by entering `code(__)', and centered hyphens with
+`code(-)code(-)'. We enter the syllables as if they are all quarter notes
+in length (hence the code(4)), and use a feature to align the
+syllables to the music (which obviously isn't all quarter notes.)
+COMMENT(
-verb(
- < \type Staff e'4
- \type Staff g4
- >
-)
+)verb(
+ accompaniment =\chords {
+)COMMENT(
-This looks reasonable, but the effect of this input is not what you
-might expect (try it!). When interpreting this chord LilyPond will
-start with the first entry, so a (nameless) staff is searched. Such a
-staff is not found, so it is created. On this staff the code(e) note
-is put. When the second code(\type) entry is read, LilyPond will
-start looking for a nameless staff. The staff that contains the
-code(e) is found, and the code(g) is put there as well.
-
-The correct solution is to label both code(\type) constructs with
-different names, for example code(trebleStaff) and code(bassStaff).
-This makes LilyPond distinguish between them, and create two staffs:
-
-mudela(verbatim,fragment)(
- < \type Staff = trebleStaff e'4
- \type Staff = bassStaff g4
- >
-)COMMENT (
-
-) The names that you choose do not matter just as long as they are
-different. This is almost right, except for the brace at the left and
-the clef of the second staff. The bass clef will be taken care of in
-the next section. If you want a brace, then you have to tell LilyPond
-that the chord you just formed is to be interpreted as a so-called
-grand staff. This is also done with the code(\type) command.
-mudela(verbatim,fragment)(
- \type GrandStaff <
- \type Staff = treblestaff e'4
- \type Staff = bassstaff g4
- >
-)
+)We'll put chords over the music. There is a special mode (analogous
+to code(\lyrics) and code(\notes) mode) where you can give the names
+of the chords you want, instead of the notes comprising the chord.
+COMMENT(
+)verb(
+ r8
+)COMMENT(
+
+)There is no accompaniment during the anacrusis.COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ c2-3- f-3-.7
+)A chord is started by the tonic of the chord. The
+first one lasts a half note. An unadorned note creates a major
+triad, while a minor triad is wanted. code(3-) modifies the third to
+be small. code(7) modifies (adds) a seventh, which is small by default
+to create the code(f a c es) chord. Multiple modifiers must be
+separated by a dot.COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ d-min es4 c8-min r8
+)COMMENT(
+
+)Some modifiers have predefined names, eg. code(min) is the same as
+code(3-), so code(d-min) is a minor code(d) chord.COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ c2-min f-min7 g-7^3.5 c-min }
+)COMMENT(
+
+)A named modifier code(min) and a normal modifier code(7) do not have
+to be separated by a dot. Tones from a chord are removed with chord
+substractions. Substractions are started with a caret, and they are
+also separated by dots. In this example, code(g-7^3.5) produces a
+minor seventh. The brace ends the sequential music. COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \score {
+ \simultaneous {
+)COMMENT(
+
+)We assemble the music in the code(\score) block. Melody, lyrics and
+accompaniment have to sound at the same time, so they should be
+code(\simultaneous).COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ %\accompaniment
+)COMMENT(
+
+)Chord mode generates notes grouped in code(\simultaneous) music. If
+you remove the comment sign, you can see the chords in normal
+notation: they will be printed as note heads on a separate
+staff. COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \context ChordNames \accompaniment
+)COMMENT(
+
+)Normally, the notes that you enter are transformed into note heads.
+The note heads alone make no sense, they need surrounding information:
+a key signature, a clef, staff lines, etc. They need em(context). In
+LilyPond, these symbols are created by objects called `interpretation
+context'. Interpretation contexts only exist during a run of
+LilyPond. Interpretation contexts that are for printing music (as
+opposed to playing music) are called `notation context'.
+
+By default, LilyPond will create a Staff contexts for you. If you
+would remove the code(%) sign in the previous line, you can see that
+mechanism in action.
+
+
+We don't want default contexts here, because we want names, not note
+heads. An interpretation context can also created upon explicit
+request. The keyword for such a request is code(\context). It takes
+two arguments. The first is the name of a interpretation context.
+The name is a string, it can be quoted with double quotes). The
+second argument is the music that should be interpreted in this
+context. For the previous line, we could have written code(\context
+Staff \accompaniment), and get the same effect.COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \addlyrics
+)COMMENT(
+
+)The lyrics need to be aligned with the melody. This is done by
+combining both with code(\addlyrics). code(\addlyrics) takes two
+pieces of music (usually a melody and lyrics, in that order) and
+aligns the syllables of the second piece under the notes of the
+first piece. If you would reverse the order, the notes would be
+aligned on the lyrics, which is not very useful. (Besides, it looks
+silly.)COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \context Staff = mel {
+)COMMENT(
+
+)This is the argument of code(\addlyrics). We instantiate a
+code(Staff) context explicitly: should you chose to remove comment
+before the ``note heads'' version of the accompaniment, the
+accompaniment will be on a nameless staff. The melody has to be on a
+different staff as the accompaniment. This is accomplished by giving
+the melody staff a different name.COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \property Staff.noAutoBeaming = "1"
+)COMMENT(
+
+)An interpretation context has variables that tune its behaviour. One
+of the variables is code(noAutoBeaming). If set and non-zero (i.e.,
+true) LilyPond will not try to put automatic beaming on the current
+staff.COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \property Staff.automaticMelismata = "1"
+)COMMENT(
+
+)Similarly, we don't want to print a syllable when there is
+a slur. This sets up the Staff context to signal slurs while
+code(\addlyrics) is processed. COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \melody
+ }
+)COMMENT(
+
+)Finally, we put the melody on the current staff. Note that the
+code(\property) directives and code(\melody) are grouped in sequential
+music, so the property settings are done before the melody is
+processed. COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \context Lyrics \text
+)COMMENT(
+
+)The second argument of code(\addlyrics) is the text. The text also
+should not land on a Staff, but on a interpretation context for
+syllables, extenders, hyphens etc. This context is called
+Lyrics.COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ }
+)COMMENT(
+
+)This ends code(\simultaneous).COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \midi { }
+)COMMENT(
+
+)This makes the music go to a MIDI file. MIDI is great for
+checking music you enter. You listen to the MIDI file: if you hear
+something unexpected, it's probably a typing error. code(\midi) is an
+`output definition', a declaration that specifies how to output music
+analogous to code(\paper { }).COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ \paper { linewidth = 10.0\cm; }
+)COMMENT(
+
+)We also want notation output. The linewidth is short so the piece
+will be set in two lines. COMMENT(
+
+)verb(
+ }
+)COMMENT(
+
+)End the score block.
+
+sect(Piano music)
+
+Our third subject is a piece piano music. The fragment in the input
+file is a piano reduction of the G major Sinfonia by Giovanni Battista
+Sammartini. It was composed around 1740. COMMENT(Sesam atlas vd
+Muziek. Deel II, blz 414)
+mudela(verbatim)(
+\include "paper16.ly";
+viola = \notes \relative c' \context Voice = viola {
+ <c4-\f g' c>
+ \property Voice.verticalDirection = \down g'8. b,16
+ s1 s2. r4
+ g
+}
-sect(Polyphonic music (or: Notation context properties))
-label(sec:polyphonic)
+oboes = \notes \relative c'' \context Voice = oboe {
+ \stemup s4 g8. b,16 c8 r <e'8.-\p g> <f16 a>
+ \grace <e8( g> <d4 f> <c2 e> \times 2/3 { <d8 \< f> <e g> <f a> }
+ <
+ { \times 2/3 { a8 g c } \! c2 }
+ \context Voice = oboeTwo {
+ \stemdown
+ \grace {
+ \property Grace.verticalDirection = \down
+ [f,16 g] }
+ f8 e e2
+ } >
+ \stemboth
+ \grace <c,8( e> <)b8. d8.-\trill> <c16 e> |
+ [<d ( f> < )f8. a>] <)b,8 d> r [<d16( f> <f8. )a>] <b,8 d> r |
+ [<c16( e> < )e8. g>] <c8 e,>
+}
+hoomPah = \notes \transpose c' {
+ c8 \translator Staff = top \stemdown
+ c'8 \translator Staff = bottom \stemup }
-In the last section we explained that a notation context can have
-properties that influence the conversion from music to notation. A
-simple example of such a property is the clef: the type of clef
-partially determines the vertical position of note heads in a staff.
-Some of these properties can be modified by commands such as
-code(\clef) and code(\time). But there is more: notation contexts
-also have properties are settable in a generic fashion. We will
-demonstrate this feature by printing multiple voices on a staff.
+hoomPahHoomPah = { [\hoomPah \hoomPah] }
-In polyphonic (keyboard) music and orchestral scores often more than
-one voice is printed on one staff. We'll explain how to achieve this
-effect with LilyPond. The effect is not unlike the two stacked staffs
-from bind(Section)ref(tutorial:more-staffs), except that we don't want
-to stack staffs but voices. Thus, the general template is the following:
-verb(
- \type Staff <
- \type Voice = one ...
- \type Voice = two ...
- >
-) COMMENT (
-
-) On the ellipsis there should be music going from left to right, in
-otherr words, there should be sequential music, notes enclosed in
-braces. Let us try the following simple melodies:
-
-mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
-\type "Staff" <
- \type "Voice" = "one" { r4 as'4 () as'4 g'4 }
- \type "Voice" = "two" { g'2 f'4 e'4 }
->)
-
-As you can see the result is not quite perfect. The notes on the last
-two beats look like plain chords and not like separate voices. What
-really happened was that the stems of the upper and lower voices were
-printed on top of each other. If you have tried running this example, you will probably
-have noticed a complaint about ``too many
-clashing notecolumns'' during the LilyPond run.
-This complaint refers to the overlapping stems.
-
-To remedy this, engravers traditionally make the stems of the upper
-and lower voice point in different directions: the stems of the lower
-voice point down, and the stems of the upper up, as shown in
-bind(Figure)ref(tutorial:multi-voice-fig).
-
-Surely the direction of a single stem is a property of the stem as a
-graphical object. But the fact that all of the stems in a voice point
-in the same direction is not directly graphical. Since this is a
-property shared by all the stems in the voice, it is logical to
-consider this property to be a property of the context code(Voice).
-And this is how it's done in LilyPond: the context code(Voice) has an
-attribute whose value is the direction to use
-for stems. You can change it to `up'
-by issuing the following phrase:footnote(The name code(ydirection) is
-no mistake. The property also controls the up/down directions of
-super-/subscripts, slurs, ties, etc.)
+bassvoices = \notes \relative c' {
+ c4 g8. b,16
+ \hoomPahHoomPah \hoomPahHoomPah \hoomPahHoomPah \hoomPahHoomPah
+ \stemdown [c8 c'8] r4
+ <g d'> r4
+ < {\stemup r2 <e4 c'> <c8 g'> }
+ \context Voice = reallyLow {\stemdown g2 ~ | g4 c8 } >
+}
-verb(
- \property "Voice"."ydirection" = "1"
-)
+\score {
+ \context PianoStaff \notes <
+ \context Staff = top < \time 2/2;
+ \context Voice = viola \viola
+ \oboes
+ >
+ \context Staff = bottom < \time 2/2; \clef bass;
+ \bassvoices
+ >
+ >
+ \midi { }
+ \paper {
+ indent = 0.0;
+ linewidth = 14.5 \cm; }
+})
-This command should be read as ``change the property called
-code(ydirection) within the current code(Voice) context to the value
-code(-1).'' For the property code(ydirection) the value code(1) means
-`up', and code(-1) means `down'. The proper way to code the
-polyphonic example is given in bind(Figure)ref(tutorial:multi-voice-fig).
-
-latexcommand(\begin{figure}[h])
-mudela(fragment,verbatim,center)(
- \type "Staff" <
- \type "Voice" = "one" {
- \property Voice.ydirection = "1"
- r4 as'4 () as'4 g'4 }
- \type "Voice" = "two" {
- \property Voice.ydirection = "-1"
- g'2 f'4 e'4 }
- >
-)
- latexcommand(\caption{multiple voices})
- label(tutorial:multi-voice-fig)
-latexcommand(\end{figure})
-
-Other properties can also be set, and they can be within different
-contexts. In general, you can set a property by specifying
-code(\property) var(contexttype)code(.)var(propertyname) code(=)
-var(value). Both var(ContextType), var(PropertyName) and var(Value)
-should be strings.
-
-The effect of a property is pretty much hardwired into the
-implementation (and thus subject to change), so we will not deal with
-all the possible properties in detail. Among other characteristics that
-can be set are the layout of slurs and beams. The initialisation file
-file(property.ly) explains most properties.
-
-We conclude this section with another example of a context property.
-Polyphonic music that has three or four voices can't be printed by
-simply changing the directions of the stems for each voice, obviously.
-Traditionally, some chords are shifted horizontally to print if this
-many voices have to be printed. LilyPond can also do this, and the
-property that controls the horizontal shifting is called code(hshift).
-The notes in a code(Voice) context that has code(hshift) set to a true
-value (i.e., non-zero or non-empty), will be shifted horizontally in
-the case of a collision. The following example demonstrates the
-effect.
-
-mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
- \type "Staff" <
- \type "Voice" = "one" {
- \property Voice.ydirection = "1"
- r4 as'4 () as'4 g'4 }
- \type "Voice" = "two" {
- \property Voice.ydirection = "1"
- \property Voice.hshift = 1
- g'2 f'4 e'4 }
- \type "Voice" = "three" {
- \property Voice.ydirection = "-1"
- [d'8 dis'] [d' cis'] [c' b] c'4
- }
- >
-)
+If it looks like incomprehensible gibberish to you... Then you are
+right. The author has doctored this example to have as many quirks in
+one system as possible.COMMENT(
-sect(Lyrics)
-label(tutorial:lyrics)
-
-Now for something completely different: Lyrics. Lyrics are also
-considered to be music, although a lyric by itself does not have any
-pitch. Producing lyrics has two aspects. First, you have to enter the
-text, i.e., the syllables along with their durations.
-After this, you have to specify how to convert these to graphics.
-
-Lyrics consist of syllables, which are strings together with
-durations. Previously we only entered note names, so for entering
-lyrics we have to instruct LilyPond that what we enter are not note
-names but words---or rather: strings. This instruction is the keyword
-code(\lyrics). After entering this keyword you can enter a musical
-construct---sequential music, simultaneous music, code(\type)
-entries, etc.--- but with syllables in stead of pitches. For example:
-verb( \lyrics { 'got8 me on my knees4, Le-8 lie! })
-
-The effect of code(\lyrics) can be compared with the effect of the
-doublequote character, code("), for it also changes the lexical
-meaning of spaces and characters. This mode is another example of a
-handy input feature of the language.
-
-Next comes the conversion to notation. LilyPond can't (yet) figure
-out that lyrics need different treatment than notes. As a result, the
-default conversion will try to put the text you entered as note heads
-onto a staff, and this will fail. This default must be overriden with
-a code(\type) keyword. Printing syllables of text in a line is done
-by a context called code(Lyrics). You can select this context with
-the code(\type) keyword. Here is a simple example:
-
-mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
- \type Lyrics \lyrics { 'got8 me on my knees,4 Le-8 lie! })
-
-The result is technically more or less correct, but without a melody it
-just doesn't work, so let's add a blob of cream:
-mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
- <
- \type Staff { c''8. c''16 bes'8. a'16 g'4 f'8 g'4. }
- \type Lyrics \lyrics { 'got8. me16 on8. my16 knees,4 Le-8 lie!4. }
- >
-)
+)verb(viola = \notes \relative c' \context Voice = viola {)COMMENT(
-The strings that makes up each syllable in the lyrics block are passed
-along to TeX() verbatim, so if you are proficient with TeX() you can
-do various nifty things. Just keep in mind that a syllable either
-starts with a letter (a character in the range `code(a)' to `code(z)'
-or `code(A)' to `code(Z)'), or it is a string enclosed quotes. It ends
-with either a number for the duration, or a space. A last feature
-that should be mentioned is the space-lyric: if you want to enter
-a single ``syllable'' that consists of multiple words, i.e., words
-separated by spaces, you should use an
-underscore instead of a space. All these tricks are demonstrated in
-the following example:
-
-COMMENT( urg
-\type Lyrics \lyrics { 'got_m\textbf{e}4 on8. m$\cal_Y$16 knees,4 Le-8 lie!4.}
-\type Lyrics \lyrics { 'got_m{\bf e}4 on8. m$\cal_Y$16 knees,4 Le-8 lie!4.}
-)
+)In this example, you can see multiple parts on a staff. Each part is
+associated with one notation context. This notation context handles
+stems and dynamics (among others). The name of this context is
+code(Voice). For each part we have to make sure that there is
+precisely one Voice nop(context)footnote(If code(\context) would not
+have been specified explicitly, three code(Voice) contexts would be
+created: one for each note in the first chord.).COMMENT(
-mudela(fragment,verbatim)(<
- \type Staff { c''8. c''16 bes'8. a'16 g'4 f'8 g'4. }
- \type Lyrics \lyrics { 'got_me4 on8. m$\cal_Y$16 "3s,"4 Le-8 lie!4.}
->
-)
+)verb(<c4-\f g' c>)COMMENT(
-COMMENT(Groen is de kleur van geluk.)
-COMMENT(Dat geldt zeker voor Bj"ork)
+)code(<) and code(>) are short hands for code(\simultaneous {) and
+code(}). So the expression enclosed in code(<) and code(>) is a
+chord. code(\f) places a forte symbol under the chord.COMMENT(
-sect(Toplevel Mudela)
+)verb(\property Voice.verticalDirection = \down)COMMENT(
-Back in bind(Section)ref(sec:firsttune) we said we would defer
-discussion of toplevel constructions (e.g., code(\score)) to a later
-moment in time: and now we will look at these constructions. In
-general, Mudela looks like set of nested `blocks'. The general syntax
-for a block is code(\keyword { ... }).
+)code(verticalDirection) is a property of the voice context. It
+controls the directions of stems, articulations marks and other
+symbols.
+ If code(verticalDirection) is set to code(\down)
+(identifier for the integer -1) the stems go down
+code(\up) (identifier for the integer 1) makes the stems go up.COMMENT(
-We will now discuss identifiers. Generally you can define an
-identifier by entering code(identifierName = ... ) where there can be
-a variety of things on the ellipsis.
-COMMENT(
-Here is a (partial) list of what you can abbreviate with identifiers
-at top-level.
-itemize(
-it()The code(\score) block
-it()The code(\paper) block
-it()The code(\midi) block (to be explained in
- bind(Section)ref(tutorial:sound))
-it()Music (sequential music, simultaneous music etc.)
-it()Durations
-it()Strings
-it()Translators (to be explained in bind(Section)ref(tutorial:engravers))
-it()Integers
-it()Reals
-)
-)
+)verb( g'8. b,16)COMMENT(
-When you refer
-to the abbreviated entity, you must precede code(identifierName)
-with a backslash, i.e., code(\identifierName). For example:
-mudela(verbatim)(
- czerny = \notes { [c16 g e g] }
- \score {
- \notes \type GrandStaff <
- { c''2 g''2 }
- { \clef bass; \czerny \czerny \czerny \czerny}
- >
- \paper {
- linewidth = -1.0;
- stem_length = 6.0*\interline;
- }
- }
-)
+)Relative octaves work a little differently with chords. The starting
+point for the note following a chord is the first note of the chord. So
+the code(g) gets an octave up quote: it is a fifth above the starting
+note of the previous chord (the central C).
+verb(s1 s2. r4)COMMENT(
-Another interesting feature of this example are the assignments within
-the paper block. Some blocks, such as code(\paper), have a scope of
-their own. In the case of the code(\paper) block, these variables
-influence the characteristics of the output. As is shown, you can
-tune quantities like the stemlength, and enter simple expressions.
-The purpose of the negative linewidth is to prevent the music from
-being justified. The identifiers that are meaningful are for the
-paper block is strongly implementation dependent, so they will not be
-listed here. Moreover, since most of the values are predefined to
-sensible defaults, there usually is no need to tune these values.
-
-Recall the properties of a context, that could be set with
-code(\property). It is a very general mechanism to tune the output of
-the music, that is neatly separated from the real music.
-Unfortunately, it is not convenient to type or read, and the precise
-effect of a setting property isn't always apparent from its
-definition. To remedy this, we can use an identifier to capture the
-meaning of a code(\property).
+)code(s) is a `spacer' rest. It does not print anything, but it does
+have duration of a rest. COMMENT(
-mudela(verbatim)(
-stemup = \property Voice.ydirection = "1"
-stemdown = \property Voice.ydirection = "-1"
-shift = \property Voice.hshift = "1"
-\score {
- \type "Staff" \notes <
- \type "Voice" = "one" {
- \stemup
- r4 as'4 () as'4 g'4 }
- \type "Voice" = "two" {
- \stemup
- \shift
- g'2 f'4 e'4 }
- \type "Voice" = "three" {
- \stemdown
- [d'8 dis'] [d' cis'] [c' b] c'4
- }
- >
- \paper{ linewidth = -1.0\pt; }
-}
-)
+)verb(oboes = \notes \relative c'' \context Voice = oboe {)COMMENT(
-Several abbreviations like code(\stemup) are defined in the
-standard initialisation file file(property.ly). Setting or changing
-context properties can have a similar effect as the commands that were
-discussed in bind(Section)ref(sec:commands). Don't be fooled by the
-similarity in appearance between a declared property-setting entry
-and a real command. Real commands are hardcoded into the language
-and they have to be terminated by semicolons.
-
-You can also use identifiers to break up the heavy nesting that can occur
-in the code(\score) block. Another useful application is
-parametrisation of the music: if you use identifiers in the
-code(\score) block, you can make variations of the music by simply
-redefining those identifiers. One particular application of this is
-part extraction: by using identifiers and redefining them, one can
-print extracted parts and a full orchestral score from the same
-music definition.
-
-
-sect(Sound output)
-label(tutorial:sound)
-
-You get output by combining music with definition a conversion to
-output. Up till now we have only focused on the graphic output of
-traditional engraving. But there is no reason why that should be the
-only form of output for music. LilyPond currently supports one other
-conversion: the conversion from abstract music to sound. You can have
-LilyPond play the music that you entered. The format that is used
-for this output is MIDI.
-
-The only information that you need to enter is the
- nop(tempo)footnote(Unfortunately,
-this the only thing that can be tuned at this
-time. This is a limitation: the tempo of music can vary throughout
-the music.) for the performance. The syntax for the tempo is
-code(\tempo )var(duration) = var(beatsperminute);), for example:
-verb(
-\score {
- ...music...
- \midi { \tempo 4 = 76; }
-}) COMMENT (
-
-) The most useful purpose of this sound output is to prooflisten your
-files: typing errors stand out when you listen, especially if they
-involve accidentals. The output was implemented in a very rudimentary
-manner, so it is probably not worth listening to for any other reason.
-
-
-sect(Contexts revisited: engravers)
-label(tutorial:engravers)
-
-As was promised, we will now take a dive into the more wizardrous parts
-of LilyPond: redefining (notation) contexts. We previously explained
-that a context
-itemize(
-it()is a conversion from music to notation,
-it()can contain other contexts
-it()handles specific notation constructs
-)
+)Now comes a part for two oboes. They play homophonically, so we
+print the notes as one voice that makes chords. Again, we insure that
+these notes are indeed processed by precisely one context with
+code(\context).COMMENT(
-This characterization almost automatically explains what the definition of a
-context should look like:
-itemize(
-it()It should be part of the ``notation output definition,'' i.e., the
- code(\paper) block
-it()
- It should contain a specification of what other contexts may be contained
- in the context we're defining.
-it()
- It should contain a list of the notation constructs to be
- handled.
-)
+)verb(\stemup s4 g8. b,16 c8 r <e'8.-\p g> <f16 a>)COMMENT(
-In practice, the context definition
-looks like this:
-verb(
-\translator
-{
- \type "Engraver_group_engraver";
-
- \name "ContextName";
-
- \accepts "...";
- \accepts "...";
- \accepts "...";
-
-
-
- \consists " ... ";
- \consists " ... ";
- \consists " ... ";
-
- propertyname = "value";
- propertyname = "value";
-
-} )
-
-
-The code(\translator) keyword opens the block for translation (or
-context) definition. The code(\type) keyword explains to Lily that
-the context should be formed by taking an (empty) instance of
-code(Engraver_group_engraver). The code(Engraver_group_engraver) is a
-C++ class from the source code to Lily. The code(\accepts) entries
-explain what kind of contexts this context could contain. If we were
-to define a context for a staff, the definition would typically
-contain code(\accepts "Voice";).
-
-The code(\consists) entries specify which notation constructs should
-be handled. This needs a little explanation: LilyPond contains the
-code for quite a large number of basic building blocks for notation
-generation, and each building block handles only one notation
-construct. The name of such a building block is `engraver'. You can
-specify which notation construct a context should handle by specifying
-which engravers should be part of the context. The code(\consists
-"Foobar") entry really means ``add an instance of code(Foobar) to the
-translation group.''
-
-You can also declare contexts, and reference them. This is useful in
-combination with code(\remove "..."): code(\remove) does the opposite
-of code(\consists)
-
-Finally, one can pre-set some properties in a context definition. A
-new context inherits these pre-set properties, when it is created,
-e.g., when LilyPond processes the code(\type) construct.
-
-As a practical example, we will show you how to typeset polymetric
-music, i.e., music where the meter can differ for each staff. The
-solution is not very complicated: normally all timing information
-(time signature, rhythmic grouping) is synchronised across each staff.
-In LilyPond this is expressed by having only one registration for
-timing information for all staffs. To be precise, there is only one
-code(Timing_engraver), and it is located in the top level context, the
-code(Score) context.
-
-All staffs use the information in the global code(Timing_engraver) for
-generating bar lines and time signatures. In polymetric music, this
-timing information can be different for every staff, so we should
-redefine the code(Staff) context to include and the code(Score)
-context to exclude the code(Timing_engraver).
+)code(\stemup) is an identifier reference. It is shorthand for
+code(\property Voice.verticalDirection = \up). If possible, you
+should use predefined identifiers like these for setting properties.
+Your input will be less dependent upon the implementation of LilyPond.
+COMMENT(
-mudela(verbatim)(
-polymetricpaper = \paper {
- \translator {
- \ScoreContext
- \remove "Timing_engraver";
- }
- \translator {
- \StaffContext
- defaultClef = bass;
-
- \consists "Timing_engraver";
- }
-}
-\score {
- \notes <
- \type Staff = one { \time 2/4; c'4 c'4 c'4 c'4 c'4 c'4 }
- \type Staff = two { \time 3/4; c'4 c'4 c'4 c'4 c'4 c'4 }
- >
- \paper { \polymetricpaper
- linewidth = -1.;
- }
-}
-)
+)verb(\grace <e8( g> < )d4 f> <c2 e>)COMMENT(
-As you can see, we used the identifier code(polymetricpaper) to break
-up the large score block. More of these context definitions appear in
-the standard initialisation file file(engraver.ly).
-
-sect(Urtexts and context selection)
-label(tutorial:urtext)
-
-In bind(Section)ref(tutorial:more-staffs), we have shown you how to
-make multiple staffs, and explained that you have to label every staff
-(or more precisely: different contexts), to make sure that new ones
-are created when you need them. In this section, the real power of
-this mechanism will be unveiled.
-
-By naming other contexts that you create, you can reference other
-contexts than the current context from within the music. For example,
-from within the music that you enter for staff code(One), one could
-enter a small piece of music, and send it to staff code(Two), e.g.,
-COMMENT (
-
-) mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
- <
- \type Staff = one { c''4 \type Staff = two { c4 c4 } c''4 }
- \type Staff = two { \clef bass; g,4 g,4 g,4 g,4 }
- >
-)
+)code(\grace) introduces grace notes. It takes one argument, in this
+case a chord. The slur started on the code(e) of the chord
+will be attached to the next nop(note.)footnote(LilyPond will squirm
+about unended Slurs. In this case, you can ignore the warning).
+COMMENT(
+)verb(\times 2/3)COMMENT(
-Another useful application of this feature is making Urtexts.
-em(Urtext) is the German word for `original text'. The Urtext
-edition of a piece of music, is an edition that reflects the original
-writing of the composer. Such editions are useful for musicologists,
-and performers that want to perform authentic interpretations. However,
-for mere mortals, the Urtext can be quite hard to read. It might not
-contain fingering and beaming, and typically it is full of footnotes.
-Moreover, common interpretations may have emerged---after the composer
-died. For this reason, the music that can be had as Urtext usually is also
-available in enhanced and edited editions.
-
-The mechanism of context selection can be used to fabricate an Urtext
-and an edited edition from em(one source). We will use the first few
-bars of bind(J.)bind(S.)Bach's lovely Cello suite bind(no.)I to
-demonstrate this. The example makes heavy use of space rests: a space
-rest takes up time, like a rest does, but it doesn't print anything.
-It can be used as a placeholder, to attach articulation marks to. It
-is entered as a note with the name code(s).
+)Tuplets are made with the code(\times) keyword. It takes two
+arguments: a fraction and a piece of music. The duration of the
+second argument is multiplied by the first argument. Triplets make
+notes occupy 2/3 of their notated duration, so in this case the
+fraction is 2/3. COMMENT(
-mudela(verbatim)(
- bach = \notes \relative c { [g16 d' b' a] [b d, b' d,] }
-
- staffStuff = \notes { \clef bass; \time 4/4; s1 \bar "|."; }
-
- slursOne = \notes { s16( s s s s16 s s )s }
- slursTwo = \notes { s16-. s s() s s16() s s ()s }
-
- \score{
- { < \type Voice = celloVoice { \bach \bach }
- \type Voice = celloVoice { \slursOne \slursOne }
- \staffStuff
- >
- <
- \type Voice = celloVoice { \bach \bach }
- \type Voice = celloVoice { \slursTwo \slursTwo }
- \staffStuff
- >
- }
- \paper {}
- }
-)
+)verb({ <d8 \< f> <e g> <f a> })COMMENT(
-The slurs that you define should be put on the music that is defined
-by the code(\bach) identifier. By labeling a code(Voice) context, and
-directing both the articulation and the notes to that same code(Voice)
-context, the articulation is put over the right notes.
+)The piece of music to be `tripletted' is sequential music containing
+three notes. On the first chord (the code(d)), a crescendo is started
+with code(\<).COMMENT(
+)verb(<)COMMENT(
-sect(Transposing)
-label(tutorial:more-grammar)
+)At this point, the homophonic music splits into two rhythmically
+different parts. We can't use a sequence of chords to enter this, so
+we make a `chord' of sequences to do it. We start with the upper
+voice, which continues with upward stems: COMMENT(
+)verb( { \times 2/3 { a8 g c } \! c2 })COMMENT(
-One of the things that you can do with music is
-em(transposing) it. If you want to transpose a piece of music, then
-you should prefix the keyword code(\transpose) along with the pitch
-(relative to the central C) for the transposition.footnote(the
-code(\type Staff) is to make sure that no separate staffs are created
-for the code(\scale) and code(\transpose cis' \scale) part.)
+)The crescendo is ended at the half note by the escaped exclamation
+mark `code(\!)'. COMMENT(
+
+)verb(\context Voice = oboeTwo {
+\stemdown)COMMENT(
+)We can't share stems with the other voice, so we have to create a new
+code(Voice) context. We give it the name code(oboeTwo) to distinguish
+it from the other context. Stems go down in this voice. COMMENT(
-mudela(verbatim)(
-scale = \notes \relative c' { [c8 d e f] }
-\score {
- \notes {
- \type Staff { \scale \transpose cis' \scale }
- }
- \paper { linewidth = -1.0; }
-})
+)verb(\grace { )COMMENT(
+)When a grace section is processed, a code(Grace) context is
+created. This context acts like a miniature score of its own. It has
+its own time bookkeeping, and you can make notes, beams, slurs
+etc. Here fiddle with a property and make a beam. The argument of
+code(\grace) is sequential music.COMMENT(
-sect(Staff switching)
+)verb(\property Grace.verticalDirection = \down
+[f,16 g] })COMMENT(
-We have seen that contexts can be nested. This means that they form a
-tree. It is possible to edit this tree: for example, a code(Voice)
-context can be taken out of a code(Staff) context, and put into
-another. This has the effect of the voice switching staffs (something
-that often happens in keyboard music). The syntax for this operation
-with these particular contexts is code(\translator Staff = newStaffName).
+)Normally, grace notes are always stem up, but in this case, the upper
+voice interferes. We set the stems down here.
-The effect is analogous to the first example in section
-ref(tutorial:urtext), but with the code(\translator) construction it
-is possible to split the real music and the commands that determine in
-which staff the music is printed. For example:
+As far as relative mode is concerned, the previous note is the
+code(c'''2) of the upper voice, so we have to go an octave down for
+the code(f).
+COMMENT(
-mudela(verbatim)(
+)verb(
+ f8 e e2
+} >)COMMENT(
-% real music
-aVoice = \type Voice = voiceA \notes { c''4 c4 c4 c''4 }
-bVoice = \type Voice = voiceB \notes { g,4 g,4 g,4 g,4 }
+)This ends the two-part section. COMMENT(
-% staff switching stuff
-switch = \type Voice = voiceA \notes { s4 \translator Staff = staffB s4
- s4 \translator Staff = staffA s4 }
+)verb(\stemboth
+\grace <c,8( e> <)b8. d8.-\trill> <c16 e> | )COMMENT(
-\score {
- <
- \type Staff = staffA < \aVoice \switch >
- \type Staff = staffB < \bVoice \clef bass; >
- >
- \paper { linewidth = -1.; }
-}
-)
+)code(\stemboth) ends the forced stem directions. From here, stems are
+positioned as if it were single part music.
-Don't try to switch staffs when you are in the middle of a slur or
-beam, though. It doesn't work yet.
+The bass has a little hoom-pah melody to demonstrate parts switching
+between staffs. Since it is repetitive, we use identifiers:COMMENT(
-sect(Hairy durations: triplets)
+)verb(hoomPah = \notes \transpose c' {)COMMENT(
-In the previous section we explained an operation that changes the
-pitches of music, transposition. In this section we will explain an
-operation that modifies the duration of the notes that you enter.
-When notes are part of a triplet, then the real of duration of the
-notes are 2/3 part of what their shape indicates:
-mudela(fragment)(
-\[/3 c'4 c'4 c'4 \]/1
-)
+)Transposing can be done with code(\transpose). It takes two
+arguments; the first specifies what central C should be transposed to.
+The second is the to-be-transposed music. As you can see, in this
+case, the transposition is a no-op. Central C is transposed to
+central C.
-To support this notion, Mudela allows you to modify the duration of a
-note by multiplication or division. A code(c'4) note that would be in a
-triplet is written as code(c'4*2/3). If you sequence a few of these
-notes, you get a triplet.footnote(We added a normal staff in the example to
-show the difference.)
-mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
-< \type Staff = staffA { c'8*2/3 c'8*2/3 c'8*2/3 c'4}
- \type Staff = staffB { c''8 c''8 c''4 } >)
-
-LilyPond knows that these notes are no normal eighth notes, but the
-reader doesn't yet. To help the reader a beam or a bracket with a `3'
-should be printed. The special beam command `code([2/3)' and the
-matching close beam `code(]1/1)' will take care of that, and
-they also abbreviate the code(*2/3) part. If you want brackets in
-stead of beams, you can use `code(\[2/3])' and `code(\]1/1)'.
-mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
-< \type Staff = staffA {
- [2/3 c'8 c'8 c'8 ]1/1
- \[2/3 c'8 c'8 c'8 \]1/1
- }
- \type Staff = staffB { [c''8 c''8 c''8 c''8] }
->)
-
-Other tuplets can be entered in the same way.
-mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
-< \type Staff = staffA {
- \time 7/8;
- [7/6 c'8 c'8 c'8 c'8 c'8 c'8 ]1/1
- }
- \type Staff = staffB {
- \time 7/8;
- [c''8 c''8 c''8 c''8 c''8 c''8 c''8] } >
-)
+The purpose of this no-op is circumventing relative mode. Relative
+mode can not be used in conjunction with transposition, so relative
+mode will leave the contents of code(\hoomPah) alone. We can use it
+without having to worry about getting the motive in a wrong
+nop(octave)footnote(code(hoomPah = \relative ...) would be more
+intuitive to use, but that would not let me plug code(\transpose)
+:-CHAR(41).).COMMENT(
-For your convenience, code([2/3) can be further abbreviated to code([/3), and
-you can abbreviate code(]1/1) on the closing beam marker to code(]/1).
+)verb(c8 \translator Staff = top \stemdown )COMMENT(
-mudela(fragment,verbatim)(
-< \type Staff = staffA {
- [/3 c'8 c'8 c'8 ]/1 c'4
- }
- \type Staff = staffB { [c''8 c''8] c''4 } >
-)
+)We assume that the first note will be put in the lower staff. After
+that note we switch to the upper staff with code(\translator). To be
+precise, this code(\translator) entry switches the current voice to a
+code(Staff) named code(top). So we have to name the upper staff
+`code(top)'. Stem directions are set to avoid interfering with the
+oboe voices. COMMENT(
+)verb(c'8 \translator Staff = bottom \stemup })COMMENT(
-bf(Important) the construct with code([/3) and
-code([/1) is a hack that sets a mode in the parser. This means that
-verb(id = \notes { c8 c8 c8 }
-notATriplet =\notes { [2/3 \id ]1/1 })
-does not produce a triplet. It will hopefully
-soon be replaced by a construction that mixes more elegantly with the
-grammar for Music.
+)Then a note is put on the upper staff, and we switch again. We have
+to name the lower staff `code(bottom)'. COMMENT(
+)verb(hoomPahHoomPah = { [\hoomPah \hoomPah] })COMMENT(
+)Put two of these fragments in sequence, and beam them.COMMENT(
+)verb(bassvoices = \notes \relative c' {
+c4 g8. b,16
+\hoomPahHoomPah \hoomPahHoomPah \hoomPahHoomPah
+\hoomPahHoomPah)COMMENT(
+)Entering the bass part is easy: the hoomPahHoomPah variable is
+referenced four times.COMMENT(
-sect(Titling)
-label(tutorial:titling)
+)verb(\context Voice = reallyLow {\stemdown g2 ~ | g4 c8 } >)COMMENT(
-A piece of sheet music isn't complete without proper opening and
-closing titles. LilyPond does not have any real support for setting
-text: that is a job best left to TeX(). But you can pass messages to
-TeX() from the input file. You can write TeX() macros to handle
-these messages.
-To do this, you add a code(\header) block
-to your input file. The format is quite simple,
+)After skipping some lines, we see code(~). This mark makes ties.COMMENT(
-verb(
-\header{
- "key" = "value";
- "key" = "value";
- "key" = "value";
- % etc.
-})
+)verb(\context PianoStaff)COMMENT(
-When the results of the music typesetting are output, the contents of
-code(\header) are also up into the TeX() file. Tools like
-code(ly2dvi) can use this information to generate pretty titling for
-your input file. Consult the manual page of code(ly2dvi) for more
-details.
+)For piano music, a special context is needed to get cross staff
+beaming right. It is called code(PianoStaff).COMMENT(
+)verb(\context Staff = bottom < \time 2/2; \clef bass;)COMMENT(
-The code(\header) block should be at toplevel in mudela, and
-preferably at the top of the file. If you have an input file with
-multiple code(\score) blocks, you should add a header to every score,
-describing the different sub parts of the music piece, eg.
+)The bottom staff must have a different clef.COMMENT(
+)verb(indent = 0.0;)COMMENT(
-verb(\header {
- "composer" = "Ludwig Van Bavaria";
- "title" = "Symphonie Megalomane";
- }
- \score{
- ... % some music
- \header { movement = "Mit roher Kraft wild herausfahrend!"; }
- \paper { }
- }
- \score{
- ... % some more music
- \header { movement = "Saut\'e comme un oeuf."; }
- \paper { }
- }
-)
+)To make some more room on the line, the first (in this case the only)
+line is not indented.
-If you want you can also put the code(\header) block at the top of the
-input file; it will then be put into every output file automatically.
-This will make it clear what the file contains as soon as you open it.
+This example shows a lot of features, but the organisation isn't
+perfect. For example, it would be less confusing to use a chord
+containing sequential music than a sequence of chords for the oboe
+parts.
+[TODO: demonstrate Hara-Kiri with scores and part extraction.]
+sect(The end)
+
+That's all folks. From here, you can either try fiddling with input
+files, or you can read the reference manual.