MusicXML DTD Hits 1.0; Browser Support Next?

base_chakra writes "Two years since its initial release, the MusicXML music notation document type has finally reached v1.0. MusicXML is an (you guessed it) XML-based musical score format developed by Recordare LLC, and derived from the MuseData and Humdrum projects. Although MusicXML was quickly adopted by virtually every major music notation software products available, a standard non-binary format for rendering music notation on the web is something that's still sorely needed. Despite its unfortunate limitations, will MusicXML eventually become the de facto means of rendering music notation online, or will it fall into obscurity like so many document types?"

Comments

What about ABC?

[zgwortz962]

There already is a fairly widespread musical notation format in use on the web. It's called ABC. There's even a Sourceforge site for it.

That said, ABC isn't perfect - it's evolved in many ambiguous and incompatible ways over the years, making it difficult to code a common parser. MusicXML might be better suited for that job, or for professional use.

For casual use, though, ABC is tough to beat.

Re:What about MIDI/MOD/XM/etc?

[kilbo]

Read the FAQ linked above: "Before MusicXML, the only music interchange format commonly supported was MIDI. MIDI is a wonderful format for performance applications like sequencers, but it is not so wonderful for other applications like music notation. MIDI does not know the difference between an F-sharp and a G-flat; it does not represent stem direction, beams, repeats, slurs, measures, and many other aspects of notation." For musicians, this is a big deal

Re:Great!

[T3kno]

Here is your first lesson:

Write this: I guess it's time to read up on XML and learn what all this hoopla is about! <g>

Like this: I guess it's time to read up on XML and learn waht all this hoopla is about! <g />