ACCOMPANIST - A 16 Voice Sequencer. ----------------------------------- Getting Started --------------- Double click on SEQUENCE.PRG to load and run. Select Help in Help Menu to learn how to browse the Help file. Then select Tutorial in the Help Menu for an easy introduction to using ACCOMPANIST. Introduction ------------ ACCOMPANIST is a 16 Voice Sequencer for use on any model of ATARI ST. It works with either monochrome or colour monitors. On a 520 there is room for over 5,000 notes (note-on + note-off or other MIDI event), or 10,000 notes without the help file, and on a 1040 over 50000 notes. The design was heavily influenced by David Mellor's hypothe- tical 'Ideal Sequencer' which appeared in the October 1988 issue of the Sound on Sound magazine. Many thanks to him for a lot of useful and elegant ideas. I hope he will approve of the single note/chord editing feature which I have fitted on top of his concepts. The file SEQUENCE.HLP contains a complete description of ACCOMPANIST, plus a simple tutorial introduction on how to use ACCOMPANIST. This can be read directly from the program by pressing the HELP key, or it can be printed out. The file VERSION2.5 contains details about bug fixes and new features. All *.MID files are music that can be played by ACCOMPANIST. Renaming SEQUENCE.HLP to a different name stops ACCOMPANIST loading the help text. This releases space for over 5,000 notes, but removes the on-line help feature. Comments and bug reports welcome. Registration ------------ ACCOMPANIST is distributed as Shareware. If you use it regularly, then you are requested to register. You can register by writing to the address below. When you register you will recieve the following:- 1) The most uptodate version of ACCOMPANIST(8.3). See the VERSION2.5 file for details of new features. 2) Over 500K of new MIDI music. 3) MIDI Music Maker. A Music File conversion and Juke-box utility. It converts files from other sequencers such as the Music Construction Set, so that they can be used by ACCOMPANIST. It also plays selections, and has many other useful functions. 4) SATELLITE. A utility/desk accessory for managing MIDI System Exclusive dumps. This enables user specified Synthesiser Voices plus many other Synthesiser features to be saved and restored using disk files. Note that ACCOMPANIST is now able to send and receive System Exclusive data. 5) Various documents about MIDI. 6) Support for MIDI/Technical queries. When you register, please say that you have been using version 2.5. You will need a text editor to build your own Configuration File. If you do not have your own text editor, please ask me to supply a copy of the PD editor ALICE as well. Donations --------- If you find this program to be of value, a donation would be greatly appreciated. (Suggested donation 10 pounds). Please send cheques to the address below. Donations from abroad are welcomed, but owing to the heavy charges for converting cheques, please send sterling currency if possible. Enhancements ------------ The VERSION2.5 File contains details of enhanced features available in the latest version of ACCOMPANIST, which you will receive when you register. Feedback -------- I would very much enjoy hearing about how you use ACCOMPANIST, and what MIDI equipment you are using. I would also like to see any examples of music that you have played and/or composed. Timing Accuracy --------------- ACCOMPANIST uses the high level GEM event timing system via MODULA-2, so the timing accuracy is adequate rather than brilliant, with a target resolution of 96 beats per quarter note. Even so, it can play fast pieces such as the Presto third movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata pretty well. However, a few desk accessories/boot programs use a significant amount of processing power either to maintain a continuous display, or to monitor particular functions. This can affect the accuracy of ACCOMPANIST's music playing. If music playing sounds uneven, then examine your list of accessories, and boot programs, to see if one of them is competing with ACCOMPANIST for processor time. Bug Reports ----------- I would like to hear about any bugs that you find. In particular, PLEASE report any serious errors, such 'MODULA-2 Run-Time Error #n'. Would you please supply me with following information. The original type of ST, eg 520 STE, any memory upgrades, TOS release if known, any other hardware mods, Run-Time error #, and a detailed list of actions leading to the error. Acknowledgements ---------------- This product was developed using Modula-2/ST, 0272-7422796(UK), (214)349-4942(USA). I would like to thank Paul Gilby, Ex-Deputy Editor at Sound on Sound Magazine, Martin Russ, a prolific Sound on Sound Contribu- tor, and Lou Nisbet, proprietor of the the ST Matrix, for their help and encouragement in bringing Version 2.1 into the Public Domain. Autobiography ------------- I developed this program as an accompanist for my wife's singing. A recent illness left me only able to play my piano with one hand, so I replaced the piano with a CASIO HT-3000 attached to my 1040. The program was developed over the last 5 years. It has proved a great therapy after having to retire from 15 years working in the computer industry. Henry Cosh 31, Dukes Wood Crowthorne Berkshire RG11 6NF UK Other Music ----------- I have a small library of classical choral music (37 pieces), which I have recorded using ACCOMPANIST for my wife's choir. This disk also has a selection of classical, traditional, folk and ragtime music. If you are interested, please let me know. Permission To Copy ------------------ The Author grants permission for clubs and other non-profit organisations to copy this program and documentation subject to the following conditions. 1. No price is to be charged for either the software or documentation. However, a distribution charge not to exceed 7 pounds total may be imposed for covering the cost of the disk. 2. The software and documentation are not to be modified in any way, and both are always distributed together. 3. Club members are encouraged to send donations to the Author. Disclaimer ---------- The Author shall in no event be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use or inability to use this program or documentation. The Author is not responsible for errors or defects in the program or documentation, even if the Author has been notified of same. Users will use this program at their own risk. Music Copyright --------------- The creator of this disk believes that all the MIDI music files on it are out of copyright, and in the Public Domain.