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Analysis Widgets: Roman Numerals, Figured Bass, Function Symbols, Scale Degrees

One of the most unique features in MidiStickers is the possibility to have real-time chord analysis using different systems, or comparing them simultaneously. Each widget also provides terminology variants to best fit your teaching or learning needs and favorite textbooks.

To make this possible, MidiStickers tries actively to opt for adequate enharmonies and take in account recently played chords. While far from perfect, those tools might be very useful for learning and teaching harmonic theory.

Roman Numerals

The Roman Numerals Widget provides Roman Numeral analysis, using the most common conventions found in US harmony textbooks. In the Widget Settings you can explore a number of other alternatives, or using simpler versions of Roman Numerals - ie, ommitting inversions.

Roman Numerals follow the global key set using the Key Selector Widget or directly from a Staff object (using the mouse-wheel while hovering the staff).

Composite Widgets: Staff + Roman Numerals

MidiStickers gives you quick access to “composite” widgets, such as the very usual combination of a Roman Numeral linked to a Staff widget. Be sure to explore the “Composite” tab in the Add New Widget window to find more handy combinations.

Figured Bass

The Figured Bass widget displays intervals from the bass. Abbreviations (ie, 6 instead of 6/3) are turned on by default, but you can turn those off in the Widget Settings. The Figured Bass is best coupled with the Figured Bass Staff, which displays only the bass note of the MIDI Input. MidiStickers provide this combo as a Composite Widget.

Function Symbols

While least usual than Roman Numerals, MidiStickers let you explore the fascinating universide of modern German Function theory (stemming from the works of Hugo Riemann and disciples such as Willhem Mahle, Diether de La Motte and Grabner).

There are numerous variants of Function Theory, and MidiStickers for now covers mainstream modern German theory and the Brazilian variant (based on the works of Hans-Joachim Koelreutter and disciples). We also have plans to cover the ‘historical’ variant straight from Hugo Riemann’s in future updates of our software.

For those less interested in the theorical part, we also provide a simpler version indication only the main function of each chord. This rougher analysis can also be used as a Coloring Rule for some widgets, such as the Staff widget.

Scale Degrees

The piano widget displays MIDI input in a keyboard. Double click the keyboard to quickly change the number of octaves.

Using the Widget Settings window - acessible by holding Control and them clicking on the button) - you can also change the skin to harpsichord, offset the octave and controlling the display of MIDI velocity.

MIDI Velocity and Decay Simulation

One of the unique features of MidiStickers is the ability to map dynamics as colors, providing detailed real-time feedback for your playing. To enable this feature, enable the “Map velocity as colors” checkbox. When using that feature, it is recommend to use solid colors for your note colors.

To make the feedback more realistic you can also check the “Decay Simulation” toggle. This option add simulate the decay of a grand piano on your MIDI input.

Staff

The Staff displays notation for the current MIDI input. By default, the Staff widget is a double staff, however if you double click you will switch between single and double staff, using different clefs.

You can limit the range of single staffs in the Widget Settings button.

You can use the mouse wheel while hovering on the staff to quickly change the keys by adding flats or sharps to the key signature.

One of the most unique feature of MidiStickers is that the Staff will try to display appropriate enharmonics. It does so by constantly analizing what is being played.

MIDI Velocity and Decay Simulation

Just like the Piano widget, you can also display dynamics on the Staff.

Chord Symbols

This widget will detect the currently played chords.

Setting transparency.

You can quickly set chord symbols as transparent by holding the Control key and right clicking on the widget. This will show up the context menu from which you can select “Make Transparent”.

Naming Conventions

To best match your teaching style and scenario, you can select from a few different naming conventions.