Copyright: Copyright 1998 by VisionSoft


Mozart Dice

Copyright 1998 by VisionSoft

Written by S.Goodwin

MIDI files played and programmed by John Chuang

This is a small program that will create, play and export MIDI files containing random compositions of the Mozart Dice game. This is probably the most famous piece of music Mozart never wrote! It is brought to life here with the PC.

Contents

Features	Credits
Requirements
Installation
Un-Installing
Operation	Shareware Information
Command Line Parmaters	Copyright Information
	Other Products From VisionSoft

Note: Throughout this document Mozart will be referred to as the composer of the musical segments, however, it is doubtful whether he actually wrote them.


Features

•	Export MIDI format 0 files

•	Works with the Mozart Minuets, and Trios

•	Command line options for running from a scheduler


Requirements

Windows 95

1 Meg of disk space

386 or higher

4 Meg of RAM

Compatible Soundcard

MCI device drivers


Installation

Un-zip the archive into a new directory (called Mozart, for example).

Run it! The program will automatically set-up the registry information it needs.


Un-Installing

Delete the Mozart directory, load RegEdit and delete everything from the MozartDice key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\VisionSoft\ MozartDice \


Operation

When the program loads, it will display a large grid with lots of numbers on it. These numbers refer to the original bars numbers in Mozarts original manuscripts. Each column represents the measure, whilst the rows show the possible combinations for that dice roll. Only one number in any particular column may be chosen. Creating a new tune can be done in two ways:

1) 	Press the button marked Create which will prepare a random musically selection

2) 	Press on any of the flatten numbers in the main panel. This will change the selection.

  To hear the piece, just press the Play button. Alternatively, you could export the piece as MIDI and play it from a sequencer.

Note: Compositions can not be changed in real time.

Note: Curious users may have noticed the abundance of MIDI files, and text-based rules files, and some might even consider changing them. This is not recommended…however, if you must tinker, please read this notice…

Tinkering


CommandLine

Command Line Parameters

Although this is a Windows product, it is possible to call it from DOS. This enables you to create MIDI files directly from a schedule to create a new tune every hour for you web page, for example.

  The format is:

mozart [/t] <filename>

If /t is given (without the quotes), a trio is composed, otherwise the program will default to a Minuet.

The filename must be a valid DOS filename, with optional path. Wildcards are not permitted to create several files.

Note that if running from a scheduler, or from a shortcut in a different directory, the working directory must be checked to enable Mozart to find the rule files.

Notes: When using the command line, Mozart Dice does not given any messages as to its status.


Tinkering

Changing the supplied files is, basically, asking for trouble, and I wont be around to bail you out. However, I believe these guidelines will allow the files to be changed. I can not guarantee the accuracy of anything you do.

The rules files:

The first number is the number of measures (bars) in the piece of music

The next two numbers indicate the number of dice used, and the number of spots on those dice, respectively. Note than the buttons re-size to fit the dialog image. Although the numbers work for 2x6 spot dices, and 1x6 spot die, many combinations will be render correctly/at all/ever.

The rest of the file indicates the MIDI file (labelled M%d.mid or T%d.mid, in the MIDIFiles directory) that will be played.

The MIDI files:

In this version, the MIDI files must all be in ¾ time, and start with one bar of silence. It should be possible to change the key, tempo and the PQN for the MIDI files, although I would not mix MIDI files with different PQNs in the same area.

MIDI files starting with M are used in the minuets, whilst T are used with Trios.

Each MIDI file must in MIDI format 0.


Credits

Concept, design and coding Steven Goodwin

MIDI files played and programmed by John Chuang, 1995, 1996.

Icons: Author unknown!

Contact:

Steven Goodwin

105 St. Johns Road

Clacton-on-Sea

Essex CO16 8DB

See Also:

Shareware Information

Copyright Information

Other Products From VisionSoft


Copyright Information

This software, graphics and documentation are Copyright 1998 by Steven Goodwin.

MIDI files played and programmed by John Chuang, 1995, 1996.

This product is Freely Distributable, with all copyrights retained. Copies may be made and distributed on the following conditions:

•	The contents of the archive are kept as is, with no modifications, additions, or absentees.

•	No charge is made for the archive, above and beyond reasonable media costs.

•	No part of this product may not appear in a commercial package without written permission from the author. This does not include magazine coverdisks or other media where the software is auxiliary to its main purpose.

Failure to comply with any of the conditions above results is a direct breach of the license agreement under which this product is distributed. Any such archive should be deleted, and a new, complete, one requested.

It is requested that any commercial breach be reported to the author.

All Rights Reserved

The author and distributors of this package acceptable no liability, implied or otherwise, for the use of this product. Whilst every care is taken to ensure this product is suitable for purpose to which it was created, no responsibility is taken for the loss, damage, or other harm caused when using this product, or any of its constitute parts.

See Also:

Credits

Shareware Information

Other Products From VisionSoft


Shareware Information

This product is classed as Freeware.

This means you may use the product forever without paying anything towards it!

However, if you do feel like sending me something - just send John a postcard (he did the real work!).

See Also:

Credits

Copyright Information

Other Products From VisionSoft


Other Products From VisionSoft

Swap File Reporter	A program that sits in the system tray and report the size of your swap file when you hover over it. It also reports hard drive space and memory used.
Desktop Calendar	This is a small program that will create a calendar for the current day, and use it for the backdrop of your desktop.
Jargon Buster	Find the meaning of several internet terms and acronyms…without showing yourself up!
Logger	This converts War-FTP log files into readable tables to be used a messages on your site. It automatically updates every hour.
Rot13	Basic ROT13 text encoder/decoder
MIDI Converter 120	Converts MIDI files from Format 1 to MIDI Format 0
Mozart Dice	Creates random compositions, based on the tables supposedly created by Mozart.

See Also:

Credits

Shareware Information

Copyright Information