Free program to add chords to tunes

Subject: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 04:42 PM

I have been encouraged to share my software in the hope that you may find it useful. (It's FREE at present)
My program HARMONY was originally developed to add chords to melodies, but has been expanded to
display and print scores,
read and write abc file
read and write MIDI files
transpose tunes
create Melodeon and Concertina tablature.
Create new, random tunes (jigs are the best)

I know that there are still a few bugs lurking, but it is quite usable now.

To find a copy to download , click here and go to the Music page.

As an example, I downloaded the MIDI file of 'For Ireland', and used HARMONY to add chords automatically and produce the following abc file - (could be prettier, but it works)

X:1
% MIDI CHAN=1
M:4/4
T:forirlnd
L:1/8
|
Q:100
K:CMaj
"C"E E3 "C"E3 C|"G"D6 E2|"F"F4 "C"ED C2|"Am"A,3 G, "Am"A,2 B,2|*
"C"C8|"C"E E3 "C"E3 C|"G"D6 E2|"F"F3 F "C"E2 C2|*
"Am"A,3 G, "Am"A,2 B,2|"C"C6 z2|"F"F3 F "G"F2 G2|"Am"A3 G "G7"G3 F|*
"C"E C3 "C"C3 C|"C"C6 DE|"G"D8|"G"F G3 "Am"A3 G|*
"C"G2 E2 "C"C3 E|"Em"E3 F "C"G C3|"G"B,3 C "G"D3 F|"G"F3 G "Am"A3 A|*
"C"G2 C2 "G"D3 E|"F"F3 F "C"E2 C2|"Am"A,2 B,2- "C"C8 z/2| |*
|

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 06:19 PM

By the way, I do have work-arounds for a few known bugs - just ask me if you have problems. And DON'T use the Arpeggio chord options. They don't work well, even when working properly, which isn't often! Bass+chord works well for jigs & reels, block chords for many songs.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 06:24 PM

Ah, Yes ! but to an ignorant like me what do these E, E3 A A2 things mean? Please.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: IvanB
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 06:40 PM

pavane, I tried downloading the file and got errors both when left clicking on the link or when right clicking and choosing 'Save Target As.' Are you sure the link is right? As I read it, it implies that the file is in the same directory as the Music page. But executables and zip files are usually stored in a subdirectory to which the link must point. Is anyone else having this problem?

By the way, I tested the abc file you gave above and was pretty well impressed.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: mousethief
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 06:41 PM

Eric, the number refers, I believe, to the octave.

Alex

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 06:43 PM

Almost, Alex. The letter case refers to the octave, the number to time value of the note.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: mousethief
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 06:44 PM

That only makes for 2 octaves, Sorcha! What if it's in the 3rd octave?

PS IvanB, what did you use to test the ABC file? I have NWC but I don't believe it loads ABC's.

Alex

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 06:56 PM

Thank's, I'll try it out and see if I can work out how to use it when I get time.

So does it mean that I need to play two notes an octave apart? ,

Eric-the still very thick about this.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 06:56 PM

From middle C up is:
C D E F G A B c d e f g a b then you use c' d' etc.
From middle C down is :
C B, A, G, etc.
For full info, see Chris Walshaw's ABC home page. All kinds of neat stuff you can do with abc notation.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 06:57 PM

ABC Home Page I believe it's in the Mudcat FAQ also.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 07:01 PM

You might also check out ABCMUS. It's shareware, sets chords (with many different levels of "strangeness" and a whole lot moe.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 07:04 PM

I haven't been able to download it yet. The first time I clicked on the link, I got a "page can't be displayed" error, the second time, I was prompted to save the zip file and I "got" the 1.2Mb zip file in about 30 seconds on a 28.8K connection. Not surprisingly the file was corrupt.

I then got loads of JavaScript error messages even though the site displayed a message that said I should only see it if my browser is not JavaScript enabled.

I don't think the site likes my IE installation, will try later using Netscape.

Jon

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: IvanB
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 07:10 PM

I used ABCMus, Alex. I preferred the chords set by pavane's program to those of ABCMus, although I wouldn't say they were 100% correct. I've never been able to get ABCMus configured to give me anywhere near what I'd consider a good set of chords for a tune.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 07:54 PM

Well have tried using Netscape and Opera all with the same result: At some random point, the download is terminated prematurely. Not sure what to try now.

Jon

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Snuffy
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 08:59 PM

On a piano the bottom note is A,,,, and the top is a''.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From:
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 10:08 PM

How about a url which points directly to the file without the Javascript?

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Jun 01 - 10:09 PM

George, you mean like this:
http://www.gre.ac.uk/~c.walshaw/abc/

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 02:31 AM

Sorry folks, but it worked when I tried it. The free site I use doesn't seem to let me point directly to the file. I will see what I can come up with. Can anyone let me know if they have SUCESSFULLY downloaded it? Thanks.
PS Glad you liked the chords.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 02:36 AM

Yes, there does seem to be a problem. Please don't try to download until I have fixed it! Sorry for for that

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 02:55 AM

I don't understand why this is happening, because the COBOL utilities seem to download OK, and they are all stored in the root in the same way. I tried adding a direct link to the home page, but that doesn't work either. (Maybe a permissions problem? That is often the case with UNIX). I suggest that anyone who would like a copy sends me an email, and I will send it out tonight to all. Thanks

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 03:59 AM

Looks like it wasn't my fault at all - the problem is with the ISP. I found this message on their Help system:

There are problems with files over 100Kb or 200Kb, and crosswinds.net is working on the problem.

------------------
So we will have to wait for them to fix it

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From:
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 05:55 AM

Thanks, Pavane.

Yes, Sorcha, that's fine. Javascript, and I don't work well.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 09:15 AM

Would you believe it - my email provider (email.com) are ALSO having severe problems. I have now created an address of [e-mail] for any requests for the software.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 09:50 AM

George, that is HTML--HyperText Markup Link. It's easy.

This is Javascript:

MZd ÿÿ ¸ @ € It has lots of little square "O" in it too........

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 10:12 AM

No it isn't. Files starting MZ are executable files, (.com, .EXE or a variety of other extensions) compiled from any language. Squares are Window's way of showing unprintable characters. Javascript is an interpreted language, meaning that it can be read by humans (Just about)

Here is a sample:

if (document.all) {
docObj="document.all."
}
else {
docObj="document."
}

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 10:32 AM

oh. thx. Anyway, html isn't java is it?

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 10:38 AM

HTML is not JAVA nor JAVASCRIPT
JSCRIPT is not JAVASCRIPT (not quite)
JAVASCRIPT is not related to JAVA
Bring back COBOL, I say
These are all different languages
To the Tower of Babel with all of them.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 11:07 AM

IvanB - can you give me your ideal chords for the tune, so I can see if my process can be improved? By the way, I have now added a note to the web page about the inability of the ISP to download the files, and asking people to email.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From:
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 11:10 AM

I agree. Let's go to using COBOL. Much the easiest language to understand. Simple (assuming someone used common sense) to debug too!

YES, I'm old enough to know how to program in COBOL. I also like it as a language.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 11:31 AM

See my website for some COBOL tools (haven't had a registration for 4 years now!)
click here

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 11:53 AM

Sorcha, JavaScript is often mixed with HTML in web pages. It sits between <SCRIPT> and </SCRIPT> tags.

It allows you to do things that are impossible with HTML but not all browsers support JavaScript and even those that do may have JavaScript disabled by the user.

Bring back COBOL??? Why not re-introduce BASIC with line numbers and loads of GOTO statements while we're at it!

Jon (Who likes (Turbo) Pascal the most)

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 11:56 AM

I thought Microsoft already had! HARMONY is written in VB

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 12:15 PM

Ah VB is something else although I'm not sure what and I'm not sure why Microsoft decided to take on BASIC and modify to the point where it seems to have more in common with Pascal than the old BASICs.

Whatever, I guess it is the most popular language now even though I prefer my version of DELPHI to VB.

Jon

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 08:53 PM

Pavane just noticed your new email address. I know ty coch is only red house but do you happen to play "Ty Coch Caerdydd"? I love that tune.

Jon

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 21 Jun 01 - 02:45 AM

I do indeed. Learned it from Mick Tems. I always include it at the start of a set, to wake people up. I pair it up with Mwmpwy (I think that's right) Porteynon, which is a Welsh variant of The Grand Hornpipe. (Long bfore Eliza Carthy picked it up)

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 21 Jun 01 - 11:43 AM

Just one note - as an Englishman, I find the worst thing about these Welsh tunes is introducing them at Welsh venues! Galch Gwyn Morgannwg, Ty Coch Caerdydd, Machynlleth, Pwt ar y Bus, Mwmpwy Porteynon, and that's just for starters!

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 21 Jun 01 - 11:53 AM

Come and work at the Open University--I'm quite happily writing intranet apps with html/javascript front ends and cobol back end processing! And there are three bars and no students. They've made an old man very happy!

But let us know when the download works, 'cos I for one would be interested in trying it out.

Steve

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 21 Jun 01 - 12:15 PM

Pavane has said that is OK for me to put it on my web space as a temprorary measuere so if any one wants to download it but has been having problems, click here.

Jon

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 21 Jun 01 - 02:17 PM

Thanks Jon.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 22 Jun 01 - 03:15 AM

The program is now on my new site, which is found by clicking here. I have put a download link on the home page (with no JAVASCRIPT!). Downloading from this one should work fine - I just did a test download

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: GUEST,John in Brisbane
Date: 22 Jun 01 - 08:27 AM

Seems to download just fine! Regards, John

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 23 Jun 01 - 04:53 AM

Downloaded great for me...

Looks wonderful...but..it has an awful time with the blues.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 23 Jun 01 - 10:07 AM

Give me some details, and I'll see what I can do!

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 23 Jun 01 - 10:08 AM

Problem with blues is that it is not a straightforward major or minor key. Like modal tunes, it needs different rules. Maybe I can add some.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 11:22 AM

Hey - I just realised - is that a wind-up? I though blues (12-bar, at least) has pretty much predetermined chords? Still, I don't know about other forms. I remember Dis Disley singing what he said was a 32-bar blues (Buddy Bolden's blues).

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Noreen
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 08:34 AM

Max's introduction to HTML, Java and all points west.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 08:56 AM

Noreen, Sorry I don't understand the relevance? Have I missed something?

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: MMario
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 08:58 AM

I think it'as in reference to the thread creep regarding : HTML vs Jaca, vs javascript etc.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 09:02 AM

Oh I see! I hadn't looked that far back.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Noreen
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 09:08 AM

Sorry, pavane. Should have explained, but I knew what I meant... (as did MMario- thanks!)

I just came accross Max's posting while looking for HTML stuff and it reminded me of this thread. Thought it might be helpful to others too, (wasn't intended for you, obviously) but it is thread-creep and I apologise. Slapped wrists!

Noreen

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 11:49 AM

Apology accepted. I did suggest an 'Uncreep' command recently, but it didn't get any support...

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: MMario
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 11:57 AM

Understandable around here...we are mud">cats and everyone KNOWS that cats don't take to commands much better then they take to water.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 05:52 PM

Thought mudcats were really (cat)fish (of course, we don't have them here).

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 07:21 PM

Well, I've got part way there. I've downloaded the zip file, and have it unpacked. But running the setup.exe (or I forget what the name is, but it's something like that) doesn't install the program. It says something like "Harmony is not comp;letely installed. You may try it later."

Any ideas?

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 02:32 AM

Yes, it is setup.exe. It is possible that you just pressed Enter when given the warning about overwriting existing files - the default is to Quit, not to Continue, so you have to tab to or click on the Continue button, . If so, just run setup again, and it should clear. By the way, it will NOT overwrite files which are newer than the ones already installed.

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 05:53 AM

Over 240 hits since I posted. Anyone who has downloaded and needs help, or would like improvements, please let me know soon, as I may not have such easy access to the net after August. Best place to contact me for this is [e-mail]. Hope this link works email me

--- Link fixed. It's <a href="mailto:[e-mail]">email me</a> ---
---Jeff (PA)---

Subject: RE: Free program to add chords to tunes
From: pavane
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 05:54 AM

No it didn't. Sorry again