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The source files for this project were generated by
"NoteWorthy Composer", a remarkable shareware program by
NoteWorthy Software, Inc. Not only
does it allow high-quality printed score output, it also allows the score to be played via
your computer's midi connection. Many of the original source files were lost, but those
that survived are being provided as compressed *.nwc files. Provided that you are running
PC/Windows, you can get the benefit of these files using the free
NoteWorthy Player, which allows you to see the
score and lyrics scroll by while the music is playing.
PostScript Files
These are score files in zipped PostScript format (.psz), allowing easy printing or viewing
using non-proprietary software. The free programs Ghostscript and GSview are required to
browse and print out these scores files. Click
HERE
for more information. (Use your browser's BACK button to return to this page.)
Considerable effort was taken to make the scores accurate, and I welcome any error reports
for inclusion in future editions.
As supplied, the scores are ready to print, with consecutive page numbering, on A4-sized paper
(allowing at least two systems per page, even on the sections containing up to 13 staff
systems). North American users: I suggest printing on legal-size paper, trimming the bottom as
required when done, if you can't find A4-sized paper. Or, click
HERE for a nifty trick to reduce them to
letter-size paper.
PDF Files
Because of the additional storage space made available by Mikkel C. Simonsen, we can
now also offer the scores in downloadable Portable Data Format (PDF). Some users have reported
difficulty in using gzipped PostScript files, or were hesitant to add yet another document
reader utility. The PDF files available here are functionally identical to the PostScript files,
albeit somewhat larger. Also, the screen display using
Adobe Acrobat Reader
will not be as nice as PS files using GSview, but the print quality will be identical.
As for the PS files, the scores are ready to print, with consecutive page numbering,
on A4-sized paper. To print them to US Letter-size paper instead, use Adobe Acrobat Reader's
"Fit to Page" option.
Type 1 Midi Files
The midis were exported from NoteWorthy Composer, and therefore follow the scores exactly.
Note that these midis are designed for optimum playability, and will in general not
import successfully into other sequencers.
Efforts were taken to make the files as realistic-sounding as possible. To that end, sounds
(esp. strings) are doubled for a more faithful rendition. Vocals are similarly blended
using two separate sounds, chosen to give a good contrast with the instrumental voices. To
hear this work as intended, your sound card should be capable of at least 32-voice polyphony. At
least an AWE32 (or equivalent) with wave-table capability is recommended. Instrument balance was
set for my Yamaha DB50XG synth, so you're most likely to get the proper balance using
Yamaha-compatible soundfonts or Yamaha XG SoftSynth drivers.
A new addition (January 2000), by request, is midi files without the vocal tracks.
These are provided as aids to rehearsal or for study purposes.
What are Karaoke files?
All selections containing lyrics are now provided in Karaoke midi format. Other than having
additional tracks for the lyrics, these are perfectly valid General Midi files. While they can, therefore,
be played on any midi player,a karaoke-compatible player is recommended; such players are readily
available for free or at low cost. They display the lyrics (usually in various large font sizes),
highlighting the proper syllable as the music is playing. My personal favourite:
"vanBasco's midi player".
This is the midi player that should have come with Windows. Both the Win3.x
and Win9x versions are now freeware. It also makes an excellent plug-in for your web browser,
giving you full control over midi playing even if the control panel is "hidden".
If your karaoke midi player does not display the lyrics, try simply renaming the file with a .kar
extension.
Karaoke lyric processing was done using Edwin van Veldhoven's
Karakan.
Mondo-Midi
The individual segments of each Act has been concatenated into a
"Mondo-Midi" file, for easy
continuous playing of the entire opera. These are 16-track midis, one track per channel, with Karaoke.
Versions with and without the vocal tracks are provided.
