Classical piano MIDI files / table top sequencers
Don Thomson
In article '<01bc1fa4$51ecc3e0$ce162399@default>' K A Kohn says:
> <And finally, I'm doing simple duets with myself on a tape recorder. And
> that's fun.>
>
> I might suggest if you enjoy duets to look into MIDI files and get a MIDI
> sequencer like the Roland table top MT 200. You can download classical
> piano files from the internet and play them on the sequencer plugged into
> your stereo system, and play along on your piano. It has the advantage of
> being able to vary the tempo and play from different starting measures to
> practice. Then get a real person and play the end product together---a
> great way to practice duets.
>
> Karen
That sounds very interesting. Can anyone recommend any URL's for
downloading classical piano MIDI files? I'm sure once one is pointed in
the right direction, there will be links that lead to others.
I practice on a Technics PX103 digital piano which has a two-track
sequencer built in. I use it for evaluating my own playing and also for
practicing both hands of a duet. I wasn't aware that there were
downloadable MIDI piano files on the Internet, and would consider adding
something like the Roland sequencer mentioned above so that I could
practice with someone more competent than myself!
Along those lines, does anyone have other recommendations for sequencers
in addition to the Roland MT 200 that they've had good experiences with?
Any estimate of what kind of price range we're looking at for these?
--
----- Don Thomson ----- DoIT (Division of Information Technology) -------
tho...@doit.wisc.edu (608) 262-0007 1210 W. Dayton, Madison, WI 53706
Robert Steinberg
The best module for classical music (IMH, but accurate, O) is the KAWAI GMega.
Makes my Roland and Korg friends envious.
If you can find one they are being blown out for $250 or so. They are satisfying enough
to perform as an opera 'orchestra' (been there, done it). Not la Scalla but only $250.
The granddaddy of classical music sites is Pierre Schwab's Classical Midi Archive. Just
do a search and voila - a gazillion titles (thanks Pierre).
Better yet......MAKE YOUR OWN.
RS
lukn...@mindspring.com
Er, uh.....
Never let it be said that I failed to avail myself of every possible
opportunity to expose my ignorance.....Let me put it this way: I know
what a piano is, and I know what a computer is. I know what a keyboard
is. And, believe it or not, I even know what a midi interface is. But
if someone would be kind enough to define the word "sequencer", and
possibly expound for at least a short paragraph on that term, I'd be
most thankful.
RayCampbel
>Along those lines, does anyone have other recommendations for sequencers
>in addition to the Roland MT 200 that they've had good experiences with?
>Any estimate of what kind of price range we're looking at for these?
A good quality stand alone sequencer will set you back $300 to $400.
Since you obviously have a computer, you might prefer a software based
sequencer that will run on your computer. Good software sequencing
programs start at around $100, and totally dominating pro-level programs
are available for less than $500. The software sequencers tend to be
more powerful, with the significant drawbacks being that 1) you might have
a hard time taking the computer to a live gig, and 2) computers cost more
than stand-alone sequencers.
Within the world of software sequencers, the issues you will face will
include 1) the computer platform you use, 2) how much you want to spend,
3) how powerful you want the system to be, and 4) how simple you need the
system to be (with the last two factors often working at cross-purposes).
If you have questions, please feel free to e-mail or call. If I'm not
around, Chris, Sam or Mark are all MIDI experts, and can answer any
questions you have.
Ray Campbell
zZounds Music Discovery Center
125 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610
312/280-4664
888/280-4664
312/280-4913 (fax)
R...@zZounds.com
K A Kohn
The best MIDI file source for classical music is
http://www.prs.net/midi.html which is also known as the the Classical MIDI
Archives. I have downloaded several piano pieces through there and have
had no problem with viruses. I have created some of my own duet files on
the computer and using a Yamaha PSR 85 for input. The software I use is
MidiSoft Studio 4.05, but a lot of people use Cakewalk. Hey, whatever
works and whatever you get use to.
The Roland MT 200 table top sequencer is a box about 8 x 11 x 2 inches tall
that plugs into a stereo amplifier system. Your put a 3.5 floppy in it
with a general MIDI file of the piece you've downloaded and are able to
play it through your speakers. The advantage is you can vary the tempo
without changing the pitch---slow for learning and then gradually to tempo.
You can also start and any measure to help practice certain sections.
This is much better than Music Minus One, for those who have tried those
tapes and CDs. Roland has a webpage that has the MT 100 and 200 listed
(www.rolandus.com) but you have to look around to find it under sequencers.
The other main advantage was using an acoustic piano---I just prefer the
feel, although certainly there are electronic keyboards that will do all of
the above.
The main thing I liked about the Roland is that it takes General MIDI
Format so it is easy to download piano pieces and play without having to
change the format. Other sequencers use their own language (like the
Yamaha's and Korg's). There is a website for converting MIDI languages
from one to another. I think that was through Giebler Enterprises.
I have used this type of system for the past nine months and have had a
blast learning duets. Yes I do play with people too. But its a great way
to learn and things just go so much faster putting it together before
getting together with someone. Maybe that just means I'm not very
talented, but heck it got me through the Bach Concerto in Fminor!
Karen
Philip Delaquess
In article <01bc2203$828a9de0$91162399@default> "K A Kohn"
<kab...@msn.com> writes:
> I have downloaded several piano pieces through there and have
> had no problem with viruses.
Of course not. You can't get a virus from a MIDI file.
I liked the rest of you post though.
--
Philip Delaquess | Ecx malgranda muso,
Software Development | Ne estas sen anuso.
Genetics Computer Group |
dela...@gcg.com | [wise old Esperanto proverb]
Steven L. Adams
lukn...@mindspring.com wrote:
> if someone would be kind enough to define the word "sequencer", and
A sequencer (today) is usually a software program which allows the
user to "write" music on a computer. One can use traditional staff
notation, or the common "piano roll", or even edit an "event list".
The sequencer also allows one to play the piece, either in its total,
or allows the ability to mute a track, (or an instrument).
In constrast, a synthesizer is usually a piece of hardware which
takes the output of the sequencer and produces the sounds. Most
digital pianos today include a synthesizer inside of it. The few
that don't require a MIDI hookup to a synth and speakers.
Sometimes, not very often, a sequencer and a synth are combined into
a single unit. Personally, I haven't seen this much now adays.
A couple of sources for some good MIDI archives . . .
http://www.prs.net/midi.html (The Classical MIDI Archive,
one of the top two)
http://www.dtx.net/~raborn/ (The Classical MIDI Connection,
the other of the top two)
http://www.classical.net/music/ (Classical Net Home Page,
has a pointer to a link page)
http://www.rtpress.com/links.htm (Lots of MIDI links)
http://www.unm.edu/~loritaf/pnoedmn.html (The Piano Education Page)
Enjoy, be prepared to spend a couple of hours surfing. It is addicting!