VBRhapsody

VBRhapsody (or VBR) for short is a powerful music composition and editing tool.

Using VBR you can enter, edit and print musical scores using standard musical notation. You can also play your scores on a MIDI instrument and additionally, you can use a MIDI instrument to help enter musical data.

VBR was originally written for the Acorn Archimedes in RiscBASIC - and was originally called 'Rhapsody'. This version for the PC is written in VisualBasic.net (hence the name VBRhapsody)

Note: VBRhapsody has no connection whatever with the music subscription service called Rhapsody. They just stole my name.

Installing VBRhapsody

The first thing to do is to unzip the zip file. To do this, RIGHT-click on the file and choose 'Extract all...' Alternatively, use a program like WinZip.

The program itslef consists of six essential components:

The executable file: VBRhapsody.exe
The help file: VBRhapsody Help.chm
A folder called MIDI which contains tonesfiles and keymaps for a number of MIDI devices
A folder called Blank scores which contains a number of templates
A TrueType font containing all the musical symbols: VBRhapsody.ttf
A second font called Monotype Corsiva whose filename is MtCorsva.ttf

In addition, some example scores are provided. Also a folder containing some relevant documents.

The easiest way to install the program is to run the installer provided. This will copy the program files into a folder of your choice and, optionally, create a desktop shortcut for you. It will also install the two fonts.

If, for some reason the installer does not work, you can install the program manually simply by copying the executable file, the help file and the MIDI folder into the folder of your choice and by dragging the two font files onto your 'Fonts' folder (accessible from the Control Panel.

Note that VBRhapsody does not tamper with the registry in any way, nor does it create any hidden folders so if you wish to uninstall the program, simply delete it. (The fonts will have to be deleted as well if you are really desperate for space.

If you already have a copy of VBRhapsody installed on your computer, the old files will simply be overwritten with new ones.

Now you are ready to run the program.

If the program fails to run, it is probably because your machine does not have the necessary version of the .NET framework installed. The .NET framework is an extension to the operating system which allows all members of the Visual Studio suite of programming languages to run. It is shipped as standard with all new PC's. To see if you have a version on your computer go to the Control Panel and click on 'Add or Remove Programs'. Look down the list for 'Microsoft .NET framework 2.0' (or later). If you cannot find it, then you must install it before VBRhapsody will run. To do this, go to the Microsoft website: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads to download it. It is quite large so if you have a dial-up connection only, be prepared for it to take about an hour or so.

If you still cannot get the program to run, please contact me using my email address given below quoting as much detail as you can about the error messages generated and your operating system.

Registering VBRhapsody

VBRhapsody is Freeware; that is to say, the downloaded version is fully functional (apart from a minor restriction on the number of pages you can print) and you may use it for your own personal use without restriction and without payment. The author however, retains the copyright and you may not modify the program or use it for commercial purposes without the express permission of the author.

Having said that, I believe that there are a large number of people out there who would benefit from having access to this program but in order to reach this public, some form of advertising is required - and advertising costs money. It is for this reason, therefore, that you are strongly encouraged to register your support by sending me a donation of at least £15.00. The easiest way to do this is via PayPal. All you need to do is click on the 'Send Money' button and enter my email address which is jolinton@btinternet.com. Alternatively, you could send a cheque made payable to J.O.Linton at Old Mill Cottage, Crook, Kendal, LA8 8LD, UK. In return, I will send you a User Name and a Registration Code which you can enter into the program. This will allow you to print an unlimited number of pages. (The unregistered version is limited to printing 2 pages only.)

I shall use all the proceeds received in this way to advertise VBRhapsody in the concert programmes of amateur Choral Societies up and down the country. In this way you will be supporting an important part of our musical heritage as well.

Further developments

VBRhapsody has come a long way from its first conception and I truly believe that it can hold its head up in the company of other commercial programs costing hundreds of pounds more. No program, however, is either bug free or incapable of being improved. If, therefore, you come across a genuine bug or want a new feature added, do get in touch with me on either of the addresses mentioned above.

I would also like to build up a collection of VBR files which other VBR users could have access to. If, therefore, you have written an original composition, or made an arrangement of something for your local choir or orchestra, please send it to me and I will post it on my website. (Please make sure that there are no copyright issues in publishing your material, however.)

The URL of the website is:

http://www.colourcountry.net/vbrhapsody