Pop music in MIDI File Format, arranged for General MIDI standard sound modules, is now very common, and an increasing amount of classical material is coming onto the market in the same form. Given the complexity of much classical music, this trend could be somewhat at odds with the polyphonic — and possibly, sonic — limitations of GM modules. But let's listen to some files before we judge them.

The files under review come from Proteus Communications' library, which is currently dominated by Mozart — we checked out Horn Concerto No 2 (KV417), Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (KV 525) and Clarinet Concerto (KV622), and we also had Vivaldi's Four Seasons. With each disk is an informative leaflet — with background on the featured work plus tips on optimising your MIDI setup. Movements of each work come as type 1 and 0 MIDI files (type 0 files have all MIDI information on one track); type 0 files are also provided without SysEx data — if you have a GM module, SysEx sets up patches, volume levels and pan positions in the first few bars of a sequence. The Four Seasons is the exception, since there's not enough room on the disk to provide all these options for the three movements of each of the four concertos in the suite.

The sequences are faithful to the original score, so the bottom line is how they perform when loaded into a sequencer, using a GM module. I had access to a Roland Sound Canvas — to my ears, one of the more sophisticated GM modules, and great for pop music. Sadly, when faced with the demands of classical material, it wasn't at its best, although to be honest a few problems arose from the sequences themselves. Muting some inappropriately doubled string parts and changing a few patches made for much more listenable results — the second point is illustrated by Proteus' inappropriate use of GM patch 050 ('Slow Strings') for contrabass, cello and viola, which caused the sequences to drag. Changing these parts to the GM equivalent patches produced much better results. Using sounds from more sophisticated synths and samplers really helps, especially if you have good horn, clarinet or violin patches for the solo concertos.

So why buy these files? If you want to hear the music, you can buy a record. But Proteus' files give you the chance to get really close to the music. As a study aid, they complement miniature scores and records, since you can focus on sections and parts in a way not possible with other media. The soloist without access to an orchestra or a 'music minus one' record may welcome the options for looping difficult sections and practicing at slower tempos offered by the solo works. The files could also be useful for multimedia or as background music on your own videos.

The sequencing itself is very good, faithful to the original scores and obviously the result of some hard work. Proteus customers also receive a free newsletter with features about composers and their music, MIDI and news of future releases from the company.

Further Information

Proteus Communications classical MIDI files £12.95 (plus £4 overseas p&p) each.

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