1 @c -*- coding: utf-8; mode: texinfo; -*-
3 Translation of GIT committish: FILL-IN-HEAD-COMMITTISH
5 When revising a translation, copy the HEAD committish of the
6 version that you are working on. For details, see the Contributors'
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11 @unnumbered Introduction
13 @divClass{column-center-top}
16 @imageFloat{flat-design,png,right}
18 LilyPond came about when two musicians wanted to go beyond the
19 soulless look of computer-printed sheet music. Musicians prefer
20 reading beautiful music, so why couldn't programmers write
21 software to produce elegant printed parts?
23 The result is a program that creates beautiful sheet music
24 following the best traditions of classical music engraving.
25 It takes care of the details of layout programmatically,
26 allowing composers, transcribers and publishers to focus
27 on the @emph{music} instead of improving their software's
28 default output. Performers will get parts that let them
29 concentrate on @emph{playing} music instead of @emph{reading} it.
34 @divClass{link-headings}
36 @divClass{column-left-top}
37 @subheading What LilyPond does
42 @ref{Features}: What can LilyPond do?
45 @ref{Examples}: I want to see some music!
48 @ref{Freedom}: LilyPond is Free Software.
51 @ref{Background}: Our computational aesthetics.
56 @divClass{column-right-top}
57 @subheading LilyPond in use
61 @ref{Productions}: Real-life use of LilyPond.
64 @ref{Reviews}: What do people say?
69 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
70 @subheading How LilyPond works
74 @ref{Text input}: You write music as @emph{text}?!
77 @ref{Easier editing}: Other ways of working with LilyPond.
84 @c TRANSLATORS, translations are not yet compiled in Info format, so
85 @c it's not worth translating the right column of the following
89 * Features:: What can LilyPond do?
90 * Examples:: I want to see some music!
91 * Freedom:: Freedom and the GPL.
92 * Background:: Computational aesthetics.
93 * Productions:: Real-life use of LilyPond.
94 * Reviews:: What do people say about it?
95 * Text input:: You write music as text?!
96 * Easier editing:: Other ways of working with LilyPond.
103 @unnumberedsec Features
104 @divClass{column-center-top}
107 @subheading Excellent classical engraving
109 @imageFloat{flat-design,png,right}
111 LilyPond allows musicians to produce elegant sheet music that is
112 easy to read. Its developer community has spent thousands of hours
113 developing powerful music engraving software that results in beautifully
114 engraved music. All of LilyPond's style settings, font designs and
115 algorithms have been inspired by the finest hand-engraved music.
116 LilyPond output has the same strong, balanced and elegant look as the
117 best-engraved classical scores. This is further explained in our
123 @divClass{column-center-top}
124 @subheading Text input
126 @subsubheading Everything is explicit
128 LilyPond processes text input, which contains all information
129 about the @emph{content} of your score and can easily be read
130 by any human or another program. There are no obscure
131 settings hidden behind menu items and binary file storage.
133 Read more about this concept on @ref{Text input}.
136 @subsubheading Tweaks are robust and traceable
138 If you have to change anything in the layout this tweak will
139 also be explicitly visible in the input file in human-readable
140 form, so you will always be able to retrace what you've done.
141 If you should accidentally break anything you can easily revert
142 or modify any decision without being at the mercy of an
143 @emph{Undo} function.
146 @subsubheading Text files are failure- and future-proof
148 Text files are very robust against file corruption. And as they are
149 human-readable, you will always be able to interpret them even if
150 you don't have access to the programs that created them.
153 @subsubheading Manage your scores with version control
155 Text files are applicable to be managed by version control. Go
156 for it and experience infinite and selective undo/redo mechanisms
157 and the full development history of your scores. Version control
158 may also open up new (collaborative) workflows for you.
162 @divClass{column-center-top}
163 @subheading Usability
165 @imageFloat{lilypond-book,png,right}
168 @subsubheading Effective layout choices
170 Spend less time with tweaking the output; LilyPond gets the
171 formatting correct right from the start. It determines spacing by
172 itself, and breaks lines and pages to provide a tight and uniform
173 layout. Clashes between lyrics, notes, and chords are resolved
174 and slurs and beams are sloped, automatically!
177 @subsubheading Mix music and text
179 Put fragments of music into texts without cutting and pasting
180 pictures. Integrate music into @LaTeX{} or HTML seamlessly, or add
181 music to OpenOffice.org/LibreOffice with OOoLilyPond. Plugins are
182 also available to allow LilyPond code in various blogs and wikis, making
183 online collaboration possible.
186 @subsubheading Accessibility
188 Text-based input also makes score-writing possible for users with
189 severe physical disabilities. Dexterity-impaired users who are
190 unable to type or control a computer mouse can use
191 speech-recognition software to edit LilyPond files. Even users
192 who are totally blind can use screen-reading software to write
193 LilyPond files -- an impossible task in graphical-based
194 score-writing programs.
195 You can see a spectacular score on @ref{Examples}.
197 @subsubheading Editor diversity
199 Several developers, themselves active LilyPond users,
200 have written tools specifically aimed at making the process of editing
201 LilyPond files faster and more effective; you are not tied to
202 a single user interface but can use different tools for different tasks.
203 You can even use a full-fledged LilyPond editor at home and use your
204 mobile phone's notepad app to edit the files on the go. For some examples,
205 see @ref{Easier editing}.
206 @c TODO: Change this when the new pages have been written and pushed
211 @divClass{column-center-top}
213 @subheading Extensible design
215 @subsubheading Easy management of style sheets
217 All layout settings can be changed to suit your personal typographical
218 taste. So you can easily write style sheets that change every aspect of
219 LilyPond scores' default appearance. As these are also written as text
220 and can be stored in separate files you can simply switch between two
221 stylesheets to produce scores with a completely different appearance or
223 You want to print a score on A4 paper and project it with a beamer,
224 one system per page? LilyPond's layout engine will effortlessly produce
225 both from the same input.
227 @subsubheading Add your own functions
229 If that still is not enough, there is always the built-in
230 scripting language Scheme, which can access LilyPond's layout
231 engine at the same level as LilyPond itself does, making it
232 a @emph{very} powerful tool.
233 Settings, variables and functions are all documented in the
234 comprehensive program reference manual.
236 @subsubheading Process scores programmatically
238 LilyPond input files can fully be edited or even generated by programs
239 and scripts. This can for example be used for algorithmical composition.
240 But you can also access the musical content for analysis, or manage
241 input fragments in a database. There are no limitations except your
245 @subsubheading Create new tools using LilyPond
247 As LilyPond isn't a monolithic GUI program but a command line tool it
248 can be used from within other applications too. This way it is possible
249 to equip tools like e.g. web applications with LilyPond's engraving
250 power. There already exist several online tools using LilyPond.
252 @c (TBD: Add a link to the new @ref{Applications} page.
257 @divClass{column-center-top}
259 @subheading Environment
261 @imageFloat{frescobaldi-lilypond-editor-small,png,right}
265 @subsubheading Excellent support
267 LilyPond runs on all popular platforms: GNU/Linux, MacOS X, and
268 Windows. LilyPond comes with extensive documentation and hundreds
269 of example files. There is an active user community answering
270 questions on the lilypond-user mailing list, offering you friendly
271 help. The response time is usually very short, and often brillant
272 solutions to reported problems are developed. Thanks to the close
273 interaction with the development team such solutions are regularly
274 included in LilyPond itself.
275 Read more in @ref{Community}.
278 @subsubheading Free software
280 LilyPond can be downloaded free of charge! Yep - It's free. Get
281 it from the download page.
283 It's also free (as in @qq{speech}) software. It comes with source
284 code, and permission to change and copy it. So, are you irritated
285 by a bug, or yearning for a feature? Simply add it yourself, or
286 pay someone else to do it.
287 Read more on @ref{Freedom}.
290 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
291 @subheading Where now?
293 Still not convinced? Look at some specific @ref{Examples}. If you've
294 already decided to try LilyPond, first read about our
301 @unnumberedsec Examples
303 @divClass{column-center-top}
305 @subheading Beautiful examples
307 LilyPond is a powerful and flexible tool for engraving tasks of
308 all kinds. Please browse our gallery of examples and be inspired!
312 @subsubheading Classical Music
314 This organ work by J.S. Bach is a fairly typical engraving project
317 @exampleImage{bach-bwv610}
321 @subsubheading Complex Notation
323 This example from @emph{Goyescas} by Enrique Granados shows some
324 of the more advanced features of typesetting, including kneed
325 beams, cross-staff stems, and voice-follow lines.
327 @exampleImage{granados}
331 @subsubheading Early Music
333 LilyPond also supports various types of ancient notation, such
334 as this passage of Gregorian chant.
336 @exampleImage{ancient-headword}
340 @subsubheading Modern Music
342 Contemporary composers find LilyPond well-suited to displaying
343 unusual notation. Here is an excerpt from Trevor Bača's
344 @emph{Čáry}, for unaccompanied bass flute.
351 @subsubheading Efficient, flexible creation of performance materials
353 Various performance materials can be created from the same source
354 code. This is an excerpt of @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/,
355 Nicolas Sceaux's} engraving of Handel's @emph{Giulio Cesare}, in
356 full score, piano-vocal reduction, and a violin part.
358 @exampleImage{sesto-full}
360 @exampleImage{sesto-piano}
362 @exampleImage{sesto-violin}
367 @subsubheading Tablature
369 LilyPond supports tablature notation, which can be customized to
370 suit any instrument that reads from tablature. The tablature
371 staff is generated automatically from notes entered for the 5-line
374 @exampleImage{tab-example}
378 @subsubheading Schenker Graphs
380 Standard output can be modified heavily. Here is an impressive
381 Schenkerian analysis, created by Kris Schaffer, for an article
382 in @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8364 , Linux Journal}.
383 The colors have been added for better visibility.
385 @exampleImage{bach-schenker}
389 @subsubheading Vocal Music
391 LilyPond is excellent for vocal music of all kinds, from sacred
392 hymns to opera. Here is a medieval motet with slightly unusual
393 requirements. The tenor voice is written in a different meter
394 than the others, but must line up as if it were in the same meter.
395 LilyPond handles this most elegantly. Note also the incipits with
396 Vaticana style clefs, the slashed stems indicating plicated notes,
397 and the ligature braces above certain groups of notes.
399 @exampleImage{aucun-snippet}
403 @subsubheading Educational Applications
405 LilyPond is perfectly suited for educational purposes as well.
406 Here is an example of a simple counterpoint exercise.
408 @exampleImage{theory}
412 @subsubheading Popular Music
414 It is simple to create pop lead sheets with melody, lyrics,
415 chord names, and fretboards. In this example you see some of the
416 predefined fretboard diagrams, but these can be heavily customized
417 to suit nearly any situation.
423 @subsubheading Large Projects
425 LilyPond is excellent for large projects like operas or works for
426 full symphony orchestra, as well. In addition, the text-based
427 input provides greater accessibility -- this example was
428 contributed by Hu Haipeng, a blind composer.
430 @exampleImage{orchestra}
435 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
436 @subheading Where now?
438 Still not convinced? LilyPond is Free software, granting you
439 @ref{Freedom}. If you've already decided to try LilyPond, first
440 read about our @ref{Text input}.
445 @unnumberedsec Freedom
447 @divClass{column-center-top}
448 @subheading Free Software
450 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/, GNU} LilyPond is written and maintained
451 by a community of enthusiasts. It is published under the
452 @ref{GPL, GNU General Public License} and the @ref{FDL, GNU Free
453 Documentation License}, giving everybody the freedom to fix,
454 modify, and extend the program. Creating beautiful music should
455 not require hundreds of dollars of software!
459 @c @divClass{column-left-top}
461 @divClass{keep-bullets}
462 @subheading What are the benefits to users?
467 No cost: download and try it out! What do you have to lose?
470 Sharing: if you like the program, give a copy to your friends,
471 teachers, students, and colleagues!
474 Source available: if you are curious about how LilyPond creates
475 some notation, you can see exactly how it is done.
478 Extendible: you can add features, fix bugs, and change the
479 functionality. If you are not a programmer, you can hire somebody
482 This may not seem appealing to casual musicians, but the ability
483 to extend software can be highly valuable to serious composers,
484 companies, and academics.
487 Future safety: if a commercial company goes bankrupt, what happens
488 to any electronic music which depends on their products? This is
489 not a concern with LilyPond; even if the entire development team
490 quits (extremely unlikely), the program will still be legally
491 available for copying, modifications, and distribution.
500 @c @divClass{column-right-top}
502 @divClass{keep-bullets}
503 @subheading Why do LilyPond developers @qq{give away} their work for free?
505 Most of us view LilyPond development as a hobby or volunteer work.
506 So this question is really asking @qq{why do people volunteer}?
511 Fun: working towards a goal can be enjoyable, especially when you
515 Shared goals: we all want beautiful sheet music, but few people
516 have the expertise (and nobody has the time!), to create a program
517 which can handle all situations. By working together -- one
518 person improves the automatic beaming code, another person
519 improves the shape of slurs, and a third person writes
520 documentation explaining how to use these features -- we can
521 achieve our goal with only a fraction of the individual effort.
524 @qq{Gift culture}: the Free Software
525 movement has created many great software projects, such as
526 @uref{http://kernel.org/, GNU/Linux},
527 @uref{http://www.getfirefox.com/, Mozilla Firefox}, and
528 @uref{http://www.wesnoth.org/, Battle for Wesnoth}. Having
529 benefitted from these projects, some developers want to @qq{give
530 back} to the community.
533 Work experience: contributing to free software projects is a great way to
534 practice programming, documentation writing, documentation translation,
535 or design. This experience has helped some developers gain job offers
545 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
546 @subheading Where now?
548 Still not convinced? Read our extensive essay about our engraving
549 philosophy in @ref{Background}. If you've already decided to try
550 LilyPond, first read about our @ref{Text input}.
555 @unnumberedsec Background
557 @divClass{column-center-top}
558 @subheading Background essay
560 We have an extensive essay describing computational aesthetics:
561 the art of creating beauty with a computer.
563 This is interesting reading if you are interested in an in-depth
564 discussion of our fundamental ideas. Due to its volume the
565 essay is available as a "manual". If you would like to read
566 it now, please progress to @ref{Essay}. However, if you just
567 want a quick introduction to LilyPond, you might skip it for now.
570 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
571 @subheading Where now?
573 Still not convinced? Read about some of our users'
574 @ref{Productions} and sheet music. If you've already decided to
575 try LilyPond, first read about our @ref{Text input}.
580 @unnumberedsec Productions
582 @divClass{column-center-top}
584 @subheading Productions using LilyPond
586 Here you can read about people who actually use LilyPond
587 in their productions, be it for performances of their
588 music or as published scores.
592 @divClass{column-left-top}
595 LilyPond engravings have been used for performances around the world.
598 @divClass{keep-bullets}
602 Joe Smeets created sheet music for the children's book @emph{Zing Mee}
603 (@emph{Sing along}) by Annie M.G. published by Querido -- ISBN
605 @uref{http://www.queridokinderenjeugdboeken.nl/web/Boek.htm?dbid=18954&typeofpage=134707, www.queridokinderenjeugdboeken.nl}; choir
606 rehearsal scores for the Dutch translation of Benjamin Britten's
607 @emph{Saint Nicolas} performed by @emph{Muziektheater Hollands Diep} in
609 @uref{http://www.muziektheaterhollandsdiep.nl/nl/voorstellingen/sint_nicolaas_leeft, www.muziektheaterhollandsdiep.nl}; and is currently
610 working on the score and parts for an arrangement of Moussurgsky's
611 @emph{Boris Godounov} for wind quartet, piano and percussion. To be
612 performed in 2014, again by @emph{Muziektheater Hollands Diep}.
615 A critical edition of Tommaso Traetta's @emph{Enea nel Lazio (1760)},
616 opera series with libretto by Vittorio Amedeo Cigna-Santi, in four
618 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1987651/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_1_4_, Part One}
619 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1994533/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_2_4_, Part Two}
620 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1994558/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_3_4_, Part Three}
621 @uref{http://www.academia.edu/1996242/Enea_nel_Lazio_opera_riformata_prima_lazione_poi_le_parole_-_Partitura_4_4_, Part Four}
623 @uref{http://unito.academia.edu/LucaRossettoCasel, Luca Rossetto Casel}
624 for his Ph.D. Thesis.
627 Mussorgsky's @emph{Pictures at an exhibition}, re-orchestrated and
628 conducted by @uref{http://www.aurelienbello.com/,Aurélien Bello} with
629 the @uref{http://www.junge-philharmonie-brandenburg.de/,
630 Junge Philharmonie Brandenburg}
631 on Oct 10 2011 and again on Apr 15-16 2012.
634 @uref{http://www.kierenmacmillan.info/, Kieren MacMillan}, composer and
635 musical director. His many, recent works include; @emph{Go Thy Way},
636 performed by the @uref{http://www.saltlakechoralartists.org/,
637 Salt Lake Choral Artists} in March 2012; The
638 @emph{Just Out of Reach Suite} performed
640 @uref{http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/marshall/x1883873762/Music-duo-Chrysalis-to-perform-at-Marshall-University-on-Jan-19,
641 Chrysalis Duo} ; @emph{thrafsmata} performed in July 2011 by the
642 @uref{http://www.pnme.org/CurrentSeason/PreviousSeasons.html, Pittsburgh
646 @emph{Anonymous Student Compliment or Complaint}, by
647 @uref{http://www.mikesolomon.org, Mike Solomon}, winner chosen from among
648 172 entries from 22 countries of the
649 @uref{http://leftcoastensemble.org, 2011 Left Coast Composition Contest}.
650 Other works include, Norman (age 1) for clarinet solo, performed at the
651 @uref{http://emu.music.ufl.edu/fems_concerts.html, University of Florida}'s
652 Electroacoustic Music Festival (FEMF), October 2010.
655 A modern edition of the @emph{Serenata Erminia} by Alessandro Scarlatti,
656 edited by Thomas Griffin, Musicologist (Rome, Italy). Performed on 22
657 October 2010 in the Galleria of the Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano, Naples,
658 Italy. @uref{http://www.ascarlatti2010.net, Alessandro Scarlatti 2010},
659 in celebration of the composer's 350th birthday.
662 @uref{http://www.mercurybaroque.org, Mercury Baroque}'s performance of
663 Lully's @emph{Armide}, May 15-16, 2009, in Houston, Texas (engraving by
664 @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}).
667 Instrumental excerpts from Rameau's @emph{Hippolyte et Aricie} at
668 St. James's Church in Manhattan, May 8, 2009, by Frederick Renz
669 and his ensemble @uref{http://www.earlymusicny.org/, Early Music
670 New York} (engraving by
671 @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}).
674 @emph{Affaire étrangère}, an opera by
675 @uref{http://valentin.villenave.net/,Valentin Villenave}
676 to a French libretto by
677 @uref{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Trondheim, Lewis
678 Trondheim}, premiered February 1, 2009 at
679 @uref{http://www.orchestre-montpellier.com/, L'Opéra National de
680 Montpellier}, France.
688 @divClass{column-right-top}
689 @subheading Published sheet music
691 @divClass{keep-bullets}
695 @uref{http://www.mutopiaproject.org/index.html, Mutopia Project},
696 over 1500 pieces of classical sheet music for free download, and
697 the main showcase of LilyPond scores.
699 @c don't make this "Mutopia" a link, since that looks silly.
701 @uref{http://etudeapp.com, Etude}, @qq{sheet music on steroids} is
702 an iPhone app which displays piano music engraved with LilyPond,
703 including many pieces from Mutopia. The app includes a virtual
704 piano keyboard showing which keys to press to help beginners learn
705 how to read sheet music.
708 @uref{http://www.adoromusicpub.com/, Adoro Music Publishing},
709 high-quality scores of sacred music, available for immediate
710 download or in traditional paper format.
713 @uref{http://www.shadylane.fr, The Shady Lane Publishing},
714 a @qq{micro musical publishing house} whose goal is to promote a
715 new form of musical economy closer to the musicians and music
724 @contactUsAbout{concerts or sheet music}
726 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
727 @subheading Where now?
729 Still not convinced? Read some of our users' @ref{Reviews}.
730 If you've already decided to try LilyPond, first read about our
734 @c TRANSLATORS, so far it's mostly from
735 @c http://lilypond.org/web/switch/testimonials
738 @unnumberedsec Reviews
740 @divClass{column-center-top}
741 @subheading What do people say about LilyPond?
746 @divClass{column-left-top}
747 @subheading Published articles
749 @divClass{keep-bullets}
755 @uref{http://www.linux-magazine.com,Linux Magazine} publishes an
757 @uref{http://www.linux-magazine.com/w3/issue/126/088-090_projects.pdf,
758 Projects on the Move}. It is an introductory article on MuseScore,
759 LilyPond and Chordii. Author Carla Schroder states @qq{LilyPond is
760 driven from the command line, but don’t let the lack of a GUI scare
761 you away; LilyPond is user-friendly and easy to learn}, and provides
767 Peter Kirn, on the Create Digital Music website, publishes a
768 @uref{http://createdigitalmusic.com/2010/05/14/lilypond-free-beautiful-music-notation-engraving-for-anyone/,LilyPond
769 review}. He takes a balanced view on usage, praises LilyPond's
770 high-quality notation and suggests to try it out.
775 The German LinuxUser magazine wrote an
776 @uref{http://www.linux-community.de/Internal/Artikel/Print-Artikel/LinuxUser/2009/10/Digitaler-Notenschluessel,
777 article about LilyPond}.
783 @uref{http://www.polyphonic.org/article.php?id=188, Polyphonic.org}
784 website, presents comments by two orchestra librarians who
785 talk about using software to maintain their libraries.
790 In an @uref{http://news.lilynet.net/Free-Music-Now, article}
791 published in the French @emph{National Conservatory Parent
792 Association}'s yearly magazine, French composer and LilyPond
793 contributor Valentin Villenave explains how Free licenses, and
794 specifically LilyPond-engraved scores, are instrumental in
795 making written music accessible to all.
800 In @uref{http://www.musicbyandrew.ca/finale-lilypond-1.html,
801 articles on his personal site}, Andrew Hawryluk compares Finale
802 and LilyPond in general terms, and evaluates engraving
803 capabilities of both pieces of software in detail. The second
804 article is an instructive analysis of engraving issues in
805 Rachmaninoff's Piano Prelude No. 6, including comparisons with a
806 hand-engraved reference edition.
811 @uref{http://distrowatch.com,DistroWatch} awards LilyPond and
812 @uref{http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20060605,writes}
813 @qq{Ladies and Gentleman, we are pleased to announce that, based
814 on readers' requests, the DistroWatch May 2006 donation has been
815 awarded to LilyPond (@euro{}190.00) and Lua (US$250.00).}
820 @uref{http://linuxjournal.com,Linux Journal} publishes an article
821 titled @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8364, Make
822 Stunning Schenker Graphs with GNU LilyPond}. It is an in-depth
823 but hands-on feature article with crisp LilyPond graphics. Author
824 Kris Shaffer remarks @qq{GNU LilyPond generates beautiful graphics
825 that make commercial alternatives seem second-rate.}
830 The Belgian newspaper De Standaard investigates what drives Free
831 Software authors in an article titled
832 @uref{http://www.standaard.be/Artikel/Detail.aspx?artikelId=G42H5GD6,
833 Delen van KENNIS zonder WINSTBEJAG} (Non-profit sharing of
834 knowlegde) in its @q{DS2 bijlage}. LilyPond is used as an example
835 and the article is interspersed with quotes from an email
836 interview with Jan Nieuwenhuizen. This marks LilyPond's first
837 appearance in mainstream printed press.
842 A French article on the LilyPond 2.6 release appeared on
843 @uref{http://linuxfr.org/2005/06/27/19210.html, linuxfr.org}.
848 The editors of Computer!Totaal, a Dutch computer magazine,
849 @uref{http://lilypond.org/website/pdf/computer-totaal.jpeg,
850 describe LilyPond} in the October 2004 issue as: @qq{Wonderful
851 free (open source) software [@dots{}] The sheet music produced by
852 LilyPond is exceptionally pretty [@dots{}] a very powerful system that
853 can do almost anything.}
858 Dave Phillips wrote an introductory article for
859 @uref{http://linuxjournal.com,Linux Journal}: At
860 the sounding edge: LilyPond, parts
861 @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7657, one} and
862 @uref{http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7719, two}.
868 @uref{http://www.all-day-breakfast.com/cannam/linux-musician/lilypond.html,interviewed}
869 Han-Wen Nienhuys and Jan Nieuwenhuizen on linuxmusician.com
870 (original site defunct). This interview was also reviewed in a
871 @uref{http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/03/13/2054227&tid=,
877 Jazz singer Gail Selkirk writes about
878 @uref{http://www.songbirdofswing.com/editorial_page/lilypond/,
879 Diving into LilyPond}. @qq{@dots{} you can make lead sheets or full
880 orchestral parts, and the results can be stunning.}
881 @uref{http://www.computermusic.co.uk/, Computer Music Special},
890 @divClass{column-right-top}
891 @subheading User testimonials
893 @divClass{testimonial-item}
894 @imageFloat{carter-brey,jpg, right}
895 @subsubheading @uref{http://nyphil.org/meet/orchestra/index.cfm?page=profile&personNum=7, Carter Brey}, Principal Cellist, New York Philharmonic
897 @qq{@dots{} I've written a couple of encore pieces for solo cello
898 which I've printed with LilyPond and which I'm going to submit to
899 Schirmer for publication. I'll bet their engraved version wouldn't
900 look half as sharp as mine!}
904 @divClass{testimonial-item}
905 @imageFloat{orm-finnendahl,jpg, left}
906 @subsubheading @uref{http://icem-www.folkwang-hochschule.de/~finnendahl/, Orm Finnendahl}, professor of Composition, Musikhochschule Freiburg
908 @qq{Although I don't know [LilyPond] very well yet, I'm
909 @strong{*very} impressed. I used the program to input a motet of
910 Josquin Desprez in mensural notation and there's no doubt that
911 lilypond outscores all other notation programs easily concerning
912 speed, ease of use and look!}
916 @divClass{testimonial-item}
917 @imageFloat{darius-blasband,jpg, right}
918 @subsubheading Darius Blasband, composer (Brussels, Belgium)
920 @qq{[..after the first orchestra rehearsal] I got numerous
921 compliments about the quality of the scores. Even more
922 importantly, while LilyPond provides numerous hacks to improve the
923 way its scores look, what the orchestra got from me is basically
924 the raw, untouched output.}
928 @divClass{testimonial-item}
929 @subsubheading Kieren MacMillan, composer (Toronto, Canada)
931 @qq{thanks and kudos to the development team for their incredible
932 work. I've never seen anything approaching the output that I get
933 from LilyPond -- I'm totally confident that my music publishing
934 needs will be fulfilled beyond my expectations using this great
935 application. [@dots{}] basically untweaked LilyPond output
936 [@dots{}] looks better than most recent @q{professional}
937 publications I've compared it to (q.v., just about any Warner
938 Bros. score, and even many of the most recent by @q{the old
939 houses}). [@dots{}]} @qq{Beat that, Finale/Sibelius/Igor/whatever!!!}
943 @divClass{testimonial-item}
944 @subsubheading Chris Cannam, lead programmer of the @uref{http://www.rosegardenmusic.com/, RoseGarden} project
946 @qq{LilyPond is obviously the zillion-ton gorilla [of great music
951 @divClass{testimonial-item}
952 @subsubheading Chris Snyder, @uref{http://www.adoromusicpub.com/, Adoro Music Publishing}
954 @qq{The way that music is entered for LilyPond causes me to think in a
955 more musical way -- there have been times when I've been stumped as
956 to how to tell Lily to engrave something, only to realize that
957 even if I did get it exactly as the composer wanted, the music
958 would be confusing to read. LilyPond makes it much easier for me
959 to work in my dual editor+engraver role.}
961 @qq{I've been using LilyPond exclusively for my fledgling music
962 publishing business. Virtually without exception, every composer
963 has been blown away by the quality of the engraving when presented
964 with the proofs of their music about to be published. I deserve
965 some of the credit for this -- I spend a lot of time tweaking
966 output, especially ties (mainly in chords) -- but LilyPond gives
967 me an excellent starting point, a very intuitive interface, and
968 the ability to modify absolutely anything if I want to take the
969 time. I'm convinced that no commercial product can come close.}
973 @divClass{testimonial-item}
974 @subsubheading David Bobroff, Bass Trombone, Iceland Symphony Orchestra
976 @qq{I think LilyPond is great [@dots{}] The more I learn about LilyPond
981 @divClass{testimonial-item}
982 @subsubheading Vaylor Trucks, Electric guitar player (Yes, @uref{http://www.allmanbrothersband.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=userpage&file=content&page_id=12, related to})
984 @qq{I am super impressed with LilyPond [@dots{}]}
986 @qq{THIS IS THE BEST PROGRAM EVER!!!}
988 @qq{Thank you all SO MUCH for your hard work and dedication!}
992 @divClass{testimonial-item}
993 @subsubheading @uref{http://nicolas.sceaux.free.fr/, Nicolas Sceaux}, @uref{http://www.mutopiaproject.org/, Mutopia} contributor
995 @qq{I had a kind of hate-passion relationship with it. Passion
996 because the first score I saw was so amazing! The description of
997 LilyPond lies about its beautifulness, it is too modest! [@dots{}] as
998 LilyPond is getting always better, and as I look closer how things
999 are done in scheme, I have less and less frustrations. Anyway,
1000 what I mean is: thank you for providing LilyPond, it is really
1005 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1006 @subsubheading @uref{http://www.troff.org/whoswho.html#werner, Werner Lemberg}, Conductor at the Theatre in Koblenz, Germany and distinguished GNU Hacker
1008 @qq{Anyway, LilyPond does an amazingly good job!}
1012 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1013 @subsubheading Paul Davis, developer of @uref{http://jackaudio.org/, JACK} and @uref{http://www.ardour.org/, Ardour}
1015 @qq{I think [LilyPond is] an incredible program, and it produces
1016 wonderful, wonderful output. when i read an interview about it
1017 last year, i was raving to several friends of mine about its
1022 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1023 @subsubheading @uref{http://webusers.siba.fi/~mkuuskan/, Dr. Mika Kuuskankare}, researcher at the @uref{http://siba.fi, Sibelius Academy Finland}, composer and author of Expressive Notation Package (ENP)
1025 @qq{I have the deepest respect towards LilyPond and towards its creators
1026 and maintainers as I know from personal experience how difficult this
1027 kind of software can be.}
1031 @divClass{testimonial-item}
1032 @subsubheading @uref{http://camerondh.blogspot.com, David Cameron}, Musician, professional typesetter and long time SCORE user
1034 @qq{My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to this project. I
1035 was a power SCORE user for big typesetting houses way back in the '90s,
1036 but I feel LilyPond finally makes it possible for me to get exactly what
1037 I want on the page, especially when it isn't "standard" practice.}
1042 @contactUsAbout{news articles or testimonals}
1044 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1045 @subheading Where now?
1047 Read about our @ref{Text input}.
1053 @unnumberedsec Text input
1055 @c TRANSLATORS, so far it's mostly from
1056 @c http://lilypond.org/web/switch/howto
1058 @subheading @qq{Compiling} Music
1060 @imageClickable{nereid-shot-small,png, (click to enlarge), nereid-shot,png, right}
1062 LilyPond is a @emph{compiled} system: it is run on a text file
1063 describing the music. The resulting output is viewed on-screen or
1064 printed. In some ways, LilyPond is more similar to a programming
1065 language than graphical score editing software.
1067 You do not write music by dragging notes from a graphical toolbar
1068 and placing them on a dynamically refreshing score; you write
1069 music by typing text. This text is interpreted (or @qq{compiled})
1070 by LilyPond, which produces beautifully engraved sheet music.
1072 People accustomed to graphical user interfaces might need to learn
1073 a new way of working, but the results are definitely worth it!
1075 @warning{We present a quick overview of our text input -- it's not
1076 as complicated as it sounds! Don't worry about understanding
1077 every detail in these examples; our beginner documentation covers
1078 everything at a much more gradual pace.}
1081 @subsubheading It's as simple as A B C
1083 Notes are encoded with letters and numbers. Special commands are
1084 entered with backslashes.
1086 @imageFloat{text-input-1-annotate,png,center}
1087 @imageFloat{text-input-1-output,png,center}
1089 Alterations are made with different names: add @w{@code{-is}} for
1090 sharp, and @w{@code{-es}} for flat (these are Dutch note names, other
1091 languages are available). LilyPond figures out where to put
1094 @imageFloat{text-input-2-annotate,png,center}
1095 @imageFloat{text-input-2-output,png,center}
1098 @subsubheading Pop music
1100 Put chords and lyrics together to get a lead sheet:
1102 @imageFloat{text-input-pop-annotate,png,center}
1103 @imageFloat{text-input-pop-output,png,center}
1107 @subsubheading Orchestral parts
1109 The input file contains the notes of piece of music. Score and
1110 parts can be made from a single input file, so that changing a
1111 note always affects the score and parts. To be able to include
1112 the same music in multiple places, the music is assigned to a
1113 @qq{variable} (a name).
1115 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-both-annotate,png,center}
1118 This variable is then used in a single part (here transposed, with
1119 condensed rests spanning several measures):
1121 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-single-annotate,png,center}
1122 @imageFloat{text-input-parts-single-output,png,center}
1125 The same variable is used in the full score (here in concert
1128 @imageFloat{text-input-score-annotate,png,center}
1129 @imageFloat{text-input-score-output,png,center}
1132 @subsubheading Beginner Documentation
1134 We realize that many users find this way of entering music a bit
1135 odd. For this reason, we have written extensive documentation to
1136 help new users, beginning with @ref{Learning}. The Learning
1137 Manual is the best place to start, as many questions are answered
1138 before they come up!
1140 Occasionally new users are unnecessarily confused by some aspects
1141 of LilyPond's behaviour. Please read this manual before doubting
1142 whether LilyPond is working correctly.
1144 More in-depth information is available in @ref{Manuals}.
1146 Ben Lemon, a LilyPond user, has created a range of
1147 @uref{http://benlemon.me/blog/music/lilypond/operation-lilypond/,video tutorials}
1148 on his blog and which are aimed at new users.
1151 @subsubheading Easier editing environments
1153 @imageClickable{lilykde-screenshot-small,png,
1154 (click to enlarge),lilykde-screenshot,png,right}
1156 LilyPond is primarily concerned with producing top-quality
1157 engraved sheet music; creating a Graphical User Interface (GUI)
1158 would distract us from this goal. However, there are other
1159 projects aimed at making it easier to create LilyPond input files.
1161 Some editing environments include syntax highlighting, automatic
1162 command completion, and pre-made templates. Other programs
1163 actually provide a GUI which allows direct manipulation of a
1164 graphical score. For more information, see @ref{Easier editing}.
1168 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1169 @subheading Where now?
1171 You are now ready to @ref{Download, Download LilyPond}. Still not
1172 convinced? Read about @ref{Easier editing}.
1177 @node Easier editing
1178 @unnumberedsec Easier editing
1181 GNU policy forbids us from linking to non-Free software, so don't
1184 In particular, don't link to:
1185 - the LilyPond bundle for TextMate (a commercial editor for MacOS).
1189 @divClass{column-center-top}
1192 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1193 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1194 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1195 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1197 @uref{http://www.tunefl.com}
1199 With tunefl you can typeset your scores directly online
1200 without needing to install LilyPond locally. It allows
1201 trying out all the program's features using a convenient
1206 @divClass{column-center-top}
1207 @subheading LilyPondTool
1209 @imageClickable{lilypondtool-2.12-screenshot-400wide,png,
1210 (click to enlarge),lilypondtool-2.12-screenshot,png,right}
1212 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1213 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1214 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1215 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1217 @uref{http://lilypondtool.organum.hu}
1219 Created as a plugin for the
1220 @uref{http://www.jedit.org,jEdit} text editor,
1221 LilyPondTool is one of the most feature-rich text-based tools for
1222 editing LilyPond scores. Its features include a Document Wizard
1223 with lyrics support to set up documents easier, and embedded PDF
1224 viewer with advanced point-and-click support.
1228 @divClass{column-center-top}
1229 @subheading Frescobaldi
1231 @imageClickable{frescobaldi-lilypond-editor-small,png,
1232 (click to enlarge),frescobaldi-lilypond-editor,png,right}
1234 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1235 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1236 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1238 @uref{http://www.frescobaldi.org}
1240 Frescobaldi is lightweight, yet powerful LilyPond music and text editor
1241 with a built-in PDF viewer. It is easy to use and will run on all major
1242 operating systems (GNU/Linux, Mac OS X and Windows).
1246 @divClass{column-center-top}
1249 @imageClickable{screenshot-denemo-small,png,
1250 (click to enlarge),screenshot-denemo,png,right}
1252 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1253 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1255 @uref{http://denemo.org}
1257 Denemo is a graphical editor which generates LilyPond source code,
1258 and also allows audio playback. It allows users to view the
1259 LilyPond source code in parallel to the graphical view. Extra
1260 LilyPond tweaks can be attached to notes, chords etc. and are stored
1261 with the Denemo file, so that users can continue to edit graphically.
1263 Moving the cursor in the LilyPond text moves the cursor in the graphical
1264 view, and any syntax errors in your LilyPond tweaks are highlighted in
1265 the text view when printed from there.
1269 @divClass{column-center-top}
1270 @subheading Text editors
1272 @sourceimage{logo-linux,,,}
1273 @sourceimage{logo-freebsd,,,}
1274 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1275 @sourceimage{logo-windows,,,}
1277 @uref{http://elysium.thsoft.hu}
1279 Elysium is a LilyPond IDE for Eclipse with an integrated, side-by-side
1280 view for source and score. It includes rapid visual & auditive feedback
1281 without having to switch contexts, and comes with many wizard-driven
1284 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/}
1286 Emacs is a text editor with language-sensitive capabilities for
1287 many different computer languages. Emacs is a highly extensible
1288 editor and can be used as an Integrated Development Environment.
1289 There is a @q{lilypond mode} which supplies the language
1290 definitions for working with LilyPond source files. A developer
1291 has written @uref{https://github.com/nsceaux/lyqi,lyqi}, an Emacs major
1294 @uref{http://www.vim.org}
1296 Vim is a minimal text editor and is an extension of the older Unix
1297 @command{vi} editor. It is also extensible and configurable.
1299 As a general rule, if you are not already familiar with Emacs or
1300 Vim, then you would probably prefer to use a different editor for
1301 writing LilyPond input files.
1303 More information on setting up Emacs and Vim can be found in
1304 @rprogram{Text editor support}.
1306 @sourceimage{logo-macosx,,,}
1307 @uref{http://www.uoregon.edu/~koch/texshop}
1309 The TexShop editor for MacOS@tie{}X can be extended to run LilyPond,
1310 @command{lilypond-book} and @command{convert-ly} from within the editor,
1311 using the extensions available at:
1314 @uref{http://users.dimi.uniud.it/~nicola.vitacolonna/home/content/lilypond-scripts}
1319 @divClass{column-center-top}
1320 @subheading Programs that can export LilyPond code
1323 @subsubheading Score, tab and MIDI editors:
1328 @uref{http://www.jezra.net/projects/bwwtolily,bwwtolily} attempts to
1329 convert a @code{.bww} or @code{.bmw} file to LilyPond. While not all of
1330 the embellishments may get converted properly (this is especially true
1331 with piobaireachd), the program will list them.
1334 @uref{http://www.canorus.org,Canorus}, a score editor, can also export
1335 to LilyPond, but is still beta-software. Testers are welcome, though.
1338 @uref{http://enc2ly.sourceforge.net/en/,Enc2ly} is a GNU/Linux program
1339 which converts an @uref{http://www.gvox.com/,Encore} music score into
1343 @uref{https://github.com/hanwen/go-enc2ly,go-enc2ly} is a Go tool that
1344 converts @uref{http://www.gvox.com/,Encore} files to LilyPond. It was
1345 created using Felipe Castro's research and reverse engineering by
1346 tweaking existing .enc files and loading them using the 4.55 demo
1350 @uref{http://www.musescore.org,MuseScore}, a score editor, has
1351 incomplete LilyPond export but is being actively developed.
1354 @uref{http://vsr.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/staff/jan/nted/nted.xhtml,NtEd},
1355 a score editor based on the @uref{http://www.cairographics.org,Cairo}
1356 library, it has experimental support for exporting to LilyPond.
1359 @uref{http://www.holmessoft.co.uk/homepage/software/NWC2LY/index.htm,NW2LY}
1360 is a C# program which converts a NoteWorthy composer song into LilyPond.
1363 @uref{https://github.com/ciconia/ripple/blob/master/README.markdown,Ripple}
1364 is a program that helps create scores and parts, including a mode for
1365 mixing different musical works together in a single score or part.
1368 @uref{http://www.rosegardenmusic.com,Rosegarden}, an audio and MIDI
1369 sequencer, which also has a score editor for single-staff editing.
1372 @uref{https://launchpad.net/rumor/,Rumor}, a realtime monophonic
1373 MIDI-to-LilyPond converter.
1376 @uref{http://www.tuxguitar.com.ar/,TuxGuitar}, a multitrack tablature
1377 editor and player, includes a score viewer and can export to LilyPond.
1381 @subsubheading Algorithmic code generators
1386 @uref{http://www.projectabjad.org/,Abjad}, a
1387 @uref{http://www.python.org/,Python} API for Formalized Score Control
1388 designed to help composers build up complex pieces of LilyPond notation
1389 in an iterative and incremental way.
1392 @uref{http://common-lisp.net/project/fomus/,FOMUS}, (FOrmat MUSic) is a
1393 music notation tool for computer music composers. It is written in the
1394 Lisp programming language, and has been tested in a variety of
1395 interpreters. A C++ port is also available.
1398 @uref{http://strasheela.sourceforge.net/strasheela/doc/index.html,Strasheela},
1399 an environment built on top of the
1400 @uref{http://www.mozart-oz.org/, Mozart/Oz} constraint programming
1406 @divClass{column-center-top}
1408 @subheading Other programs not being actively developed
1413 @uref{http://lilykde.googlecode.com/,LilyKDE} has been replaced by
1414 @uref{http://www.frescobaldi.org/,Frescobaldi}, and exists as LilyKDE3
1415 for KDE 3.5 and lilypond-KDE4 for KDE 4.1 only.
1418 @uref{http://noteedit.berlios.de,NoteEdit}, which imported
1419 @uref{http://www.makemusic.com/musicxml,MusicXML}, has been forked
1421 @uref{http://vsr.informatik.tu-chemnitz.de/staff/jan/nted/nted.xhtml,NtEd}
1422 and @uref{http://canorus.org,Canorus}.
1426 @uref{http://lilycomp.sourceforge.net, LilyComp} is a graphical
1427 note entry program, acting much like a number-pad which produces
1435 @divClass{column-center-bottom}
1436 @subheading Where now?
1438 You are now ready to @ref{Download, Download LilyPond}.
1440 Still not convinced? Many composers, musicians, and conductors
1441 have learned how to write music in our input format. Experienced
1442 users even report that they can enter a full score in LilyPond
1443 faster than with a piano keyboard or mouse+GUI! Perhaps you would
1444 like to review the @ref{Features}, @ref{Examples}, or the
1445 @ref{Freedom} that LilyPond provides, or read about users'
1446 @ref{Productions} and @ref{Reviews}. In addition, our
1447 approach to the computational aesthetics of classical engraving is
1448 explained in our @ref{Background}.
1451 @subheading Legalese
1454 All logos and product images are copyright and trademark