[ Contents ] [ Page Index ] [ WWW-Search ] [ Comments ]
The ALEX
VAN STARREX Website
MIDI-MUSIC
INTRODUCTION
With most major web-browsers being able to play MIDI files, almost everyone on the internet has access to MIDI music - provided their computer has a soundcard, that is. Unfortunately, few people will get the most out of this capability without investing in more expensive equipment - a better soundcard, keyboard, module or software emulator. Without any of these things, most MIDI-files will tend to sound alike: soft, weedy sounding instruments and the same set of drums in every song. This, and the general reluctance to use 'real time' recording, is what gives MIDI music such a bad name.
Things are different for the MIDI enthusiast, who may have access to all sorts of wonderful sounding gear. Personally, after having used my Roland E-35 keyboard for five and a half years, I couldn't believe how primitive my MIDI-files sounded through my new soundcard- equipped computer. This has necessitated a major revision of the musmidi-page - with over half of the original 50 songs being deleted and many others modified.
MIDI SYSTEMS
But even for the enthusiasts, there are various system incompatibilities to take into account - as not all MIDI-files are created equally. So in order to introduce the major file formats (and my own MIDI-songs), the following information will be of use:
Getting around these incompatibility problems is the real fun part. There had been no way to do this on my Amiga, but on my new computer I currently use:
LINKS
DIRECT MUSIC
Direct Music, on the other hand, is a new development entirely. This system, developed by Microsoft, allows for a diverse combination of sounds - mostly based around the Roland GS set - to be incorporated into MIDI music that can be programmed to change format, style and tempo as necessary. This is intended for games and some general software applications. I've had it installed on my computer since mid 1999, but just can't get used to using it. for a start, the "Help"file is the longest I've ever seen for any software application (bar the entire Windows system itself). But, no doubt, some people will take to it with a passion.
LINKS
AVS MIDI-FILES TO PLAY OR DOWNLOAD
Rather than try and cater for minority interests, I've done a purge of my original online MIDI-file collection. Only those songs which sound reasonably good under all systems - GM, GS and XG - have been kept. As for the remaining songs in my collection, I'll probably package up the best of them and upload them to a GS/Sound Canvas users' site, somewhere on the 'net. Anyone wanting to hear what my songs are really supposed to sound like should perhaps order my MIDI-related CDs, as I've heard some really awful 'interpretations' of them through both soundcards and software emulators.
With exception of the drum-patterns and the obviously sequenced songs, most of the music here has been recorded in 'real time'. In other words, I have used my music sequencers as 'virtual tape recorders' to layer real tracks, rather than plotting out parts a note at a time, or copying and repeating blocks of music. The final performances are then edited, to erase any obvious mistakes. This facilitates the creation of smooth flowing songs with lots of improvisation, rather than the stiff, robotic music that is so prevalent elsewhere. I hope that listeners can appreciate the difference.
MP3s of "Mystery", "Ditto" and various other MIDI-songs are included on my MP3 site at http://www.mp3.com.au/AlexVanStarrex/ - be sure to have a listen.
PROVISIONS FOR USE
The above files are provided on an unrestricted use for private use and performance only. Permission should be sought for public use (including redistribution and use on websites) as this may otherwise constitute a breach of copyright.
MIDI-FILES ON THE INTERNET
I've collected a lot of transcriptions of popular and classical songs from the net, since I first got online. Some are immensely clever and I can actually enjoy listening to them - e.g. 'Lazy', by Deep Purple. Others are just incredibly strange and I wonder why someone actually bothered to work them out in the first place - e.g. 'The Noonward Race' by the Mahavishnu Orchestra, or 'Soundchaser' by Yes. Bear this in mind when you start your own MIDI-collection.
LINKS
NEWSGROUPS & EMAIL
SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR A MIDI FILE - here's a nifty way to find that MIDI-file you're after:
[ Previous Page ] [ Top of Page ] [ Next Page ]
[ Contents ] [ Page Index ] [ WWW-Search ] [ Comments ]
URL: http://homepages.tig.com.au/~avanstar
EMAIL: avanstar@tig.com.au
© Alex Van Starrex