IMSLP Forums

Now that we have a Synthesized/MIDI tab, I'm thinking of possibly allowing MIDI files to be uploaded to IMSLP. However, I would like to hear everyone's comments before doing anything, especially (1) how useful MIDI files actually are, and (2) are there any detriments to including MIDI files on IMSLP.

Thanks!

MIDI files are (almost) as useful as MP3 files to answer a question like "Am I going to practice this piece or not?". Moreover they can be useful to whoever wants to retypeset the score if the scorewriter is able to convert from MIDI to score.

Note that I have heard computer-generated MP3 files on imslp that do not have a better sound quality than a MIDI. (They seem to be simple MP3 conversions thereof)

MIDIs don't have sound quality. They are closer to a score than they are to an Mp3 file.

Well, as one example ... the recordings of some of my own pieces uploaded here are just mp3 conversions of MIDIs (indeed, with one exception so far. There are some private or semipublic performances by friends in my possession of those pieces but I don't presently have permission from the performers to post them.)

As both coulonnus and Eric have mentioned, we already have a fair number of MP3's which have been created from MIDI files. I see no reason to ban MIDIs unless there is some technical issue with the file format. MIDI sound quality is entirely dependent upon what the end users system is set up to handle.

MIDI files are computer files which generate instructions to an instrument on how to play the piece. They tell when to start a note, when to stop it, what dynamics to use for that note, etc. The sound quality depends entirely on what instrument the are used to control: a computer, an electronic keyboard, or even a full-blown pipe organ, etc. each of which will give its own timbre and playback quality to the audio.

There should be no interference with any other files in the collection, and the MIDI files are highly useful and should be included.

Other computer programs generate files that when played, use the MIDI format to control an instrument. These are often called 'source files' and are generated principally by 'notation' programs. The differences are that MIDI files contain fixed pre-set values for such characteristics as tempo, dynamics and instrumentation, while the programs playing from 'source files' often allow extensive control over these characteristics.

These playing methods are extremely useful for rehearsal, or for playing along while learning a piece, or providing missing instruments in an ensemble, reinforcing weak players, etc, or even just hearing what the piece sounds like. They are widely used when available.

It is highly recommended that all of these formats for compositions be accommodated in IMSLP because they vastly expand the usefulness of the collection by increasing the ability to play the music in various ways and have no influence on the current files for scores or parts, or even performances. Not everyone can or will want to use them, but they are a tremendous addition for those who do use them.

Sorry, I just found out that this subject has been discussed at length in other forum discussions. I do believe the subjects are related however.

MIDI files are now allowed. However, I would strongly suggest that MP3 renditions of MIDI not be uploaded if the MIDI file is available. People can simply play back the MIDI files using a software like MuseScore, so having MP3s of the MIDI files seems to be pure duplicates that increase maintenance burden on IMSLP admins. If someone has a very good reason why it should be allowed, please tell me!

The only case I can think of where a duplication of this nature could be justified is when the creator of the MIDI has access to high-end sequencer or audio software and equipment where the resulting MP3 or audio file would be of far superior sound quality than anything that could be produced on a home computer with resident software such as Windows Media Player, Quicktime, etc. For example Jay Bacal's rendition of the Vaughan Williams Tallis Fantasia was probably done from a MIDI file.

imslp wrote:MIDI files are now allowed.

Then could you please update this page? http://imslp.org/wiki/IMSLP:Performers_Portal

Performer's Portal wrote:All computer realizations are not acceptable

seems to forbid this.

@Carolus: That is a good point; I agree with that exception.

@coulonnus: Done.

I think this official Recording Policy is too complicated. It requires some intellectual manipulations of and, or, not etc. If I understand correctly: now all "computer realizations" are acceptable except those made with a notation software in the format particular to this software.

Can't you reduce this policy to a single sentence?

When I make a MIDI transfer from WIMA the dialogue page still begins withs "All performances are accepted except computer synthesized audio (e.g. computer renditions of MIDI, Finale or Sibelius files)"
Could you please update this?

Same message for a usual Add File procedure!