MUSICIAN ROYAL is one of the most recent programs released for the 2068. Written by Dr. Oleg D. Jefimenko and sold by Electret Scientific Company, it proves to be one of the more comprehensive music programs available.
One of the most useful features of the program is the ability to transcribe already written music into the computer and have it play it back to you – using the BEEP command. Even though only one voice is available, the control over the parameters makes up for it.
The play options allow you to change the key in which the composition is played, the tempo can be changed as well as the order in which the song(s) can be played. The editing features allow you to change any possible errors.
The tape comes with three programs as well as a demo program with six compositions already transcribed and ready to play. The first program is the actual transcribing program where you are greeted by a screen that asks you for the name of your composition and the number of sharps or flats contained in your selection. You are then greeted with a musical staff with notes and their respective pitch (several octaves worth) graphically pictured on the screen. A prompt with several different menu choices are also displayed. You enter the notes one at a time adding the inflections (sharp, flat or natural) as needed. The treble clef is displayed but you can change it up or down an octave and also the same can be done with the bass clef.
Next you enter the value of the note for the time signature (whole, half, quarter note, ect.). At the end of each measure, you can enter a Q which is an aid when going back and editing. A duplicate function is also available when you have two groups of notes that are in the same order which really saves some typing. Entering Z allows you to correct your last entry.
With a printer (TS 2040) attached, the information is printed as it is entered so as to see where you are and to make it easy when looking for entry errors. Once the transcribing is completed, you have the option of playing, SAVEing, LPRINTing, or editing. You can have it play as written, or in any order you wish, or continually repeat itself.
The manual is very well written and leads you through the program carefully. The second chapter is devoted to those with very little background in music. It gives you a crash course in music notation and what all “all them little symbols mean”.
The second program on the tape is called MUSIC BOX and it allows you to take the music transcribed in MUSICIAN ROYAL and collect them. Each MUSIC BOX that you make can hold up to 8 compositions with up to 1500 notes (total) in the first seven and 1500 notes in the eighth composition. MUSIC BOX is easily filled by loading in data saved from MUSICIAN ROYAL. A table of contents helps you keep track of what is stored already.
MUSIC ALBUM is called the “ultimate program” for collecting and playing compositions transcribed in MUSICIAN ROYAL. It can hold up to 2000 notes total in 8 compositions. You have the most control over the tonality of each composition. You can have the slections play in any order, control the tempo, and control the duration of the pauses between compositions.
The programs all have certain safeguards built in, but are all easy to convert to mass storage such as disk drives. Large printer drivers are also easily added.
All in all, the program is very professionally done from the packaging to the 75 page manual which comes with it. I had no problem loading the tape and my order was delivered within three weeks of placing the order by letter.
Needless to say, I was disappointed that it only used the BEEP command. I remember that I was so excited when I saw the ad and ordered it thinking “Great! A decent looking SOUND program has finally been written for the 2068”. At least I assumed it used SOUND. Because of this, I think the $20 price tag is a bit steep. It would be well worth it if it used SOUND with all of the features it contains. Hopefully Dr. Jefimenko will come out with a sequel using all four voices.
The program is available from Electret Scientific Company, PO Box 4132, Star City, WV 26505 for $20. If you would like a sample of what you can expect, (a nice courtesy) they will send you the DEMO ALBUM for $3 which will be subtracted from the $20 if you do decide to order the whole program.