Sibelius for Windows

User Reviews

• Serious audio problem

  BrockArcherAugust 1, 2011

  Pros

  Amazing capabilities when it works right

  Cons

  A fatal file conflict with Windows 7 creates static, pops, and other audio problems that render the program essentially useless.

  Summary

  The Sibelius folks have been aware of this problem for months (the user forum is full of complaints about it), but they have offered nothing but band-aid solutions that never last long if at all. Until they fix this problem, any Windows 7 user would be a fool to waste his money on this product.

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• Good results, good software, but overpriced

  spartainFebruary 28, 2011

  Pros

  Fairly easy to figure out. Excellent scoring features.

  Cons

  Supplied with mediocre orchestral sounds; Extremely fiddly and difficult to install better orchestral sound sets; Extremely expensive.

  Summary

  I had an original piece of classical music buzzing around in my head for ages, so I downloaded this trial and within hours of using it I was hearing an orchestra playing it from my computer. You will, of course, have to be familiar with at least some musical theory, but a (cheap) copy of 'The Rudiments of Music' or some other book on theory will help you on that. This software is great because it allows you to experiment, and as you experiment you learn what works and what doesn't. You will end up listening to the detail and structure of classical music, although you can compose other genres too. My main criticism of this is that the orchesral sound set supplied is fairly mediocre, and it is very difficult and fiddly to install new orchestra sound sets into it. Forums have many people asking about this issue, but explanations never seem to help. Until the developers improve the default sound set and make installing new sound-sets easier to perform, this will always be its weak point. Although cheaper versions are available for educational establishments, Sibelius is very expensive, at £530 (UK) and $600 (US). It is rather overpriced considering the included orchestra sounds are not particularly good. You will therefore end up paying a similar amount (or more) of your hard-earned money again for very good sound sets to load in - and that's where more difficulty occurs. It will likely take you close to a nervous breakdown.

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• Very good but very expensive

  A-KhooJuly 17, 2006

  Pros

  Very easy to use and clear interface. Sibelius 3.11 comes with a detailed help file and a host of functions not found on other music notation software. Its flexi time input is amazing, with the ability to notate melody AND rhythm from an input keyboard (or other instrument). It is a small download and this makes it ideal for the aspiring music composer

  Cons

  Very expensive.

  Summary

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• nice!

  sassy19aJanuary 30, 2006

  Pros

  Its at version 4 nw. At its best! really a leader among its pack. Converts midi to proper notations unlike many other similar softwares.

  Cons

  none, even its demo version is functional except save disabled. Cool!

  Summary

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• Great

  Dr_fuAugust 11, 2005

  Pros

  Easy to use, very good and many options that you can choose from.

  Cons

  A bit pricey, but should be worth it..

  Summary

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• Great!!

  RakiMJune 3, 2005

  Pros

  I like it cuz its good

  Cons

  It's just ain't that eazy to use

  Summary

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• download problems. lol. it wont even open the download window for me.

  DearStrangerMarch 3, 2005

  Pros

  my friend has it and i know the product is excelent so if you can get it to download for you a)lucky you b) its great!

  Cons

  Summary

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• Wont download properly

  ComptekkgirlMarch 1, 2005

  Pros

  Cons

  wont download. major problems. although i heard that this was an excellent product. very disappointed!

  Summary

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• not worth it

  bradg440February 12, 2005

  Pros

  it was a great idea... and it is easy to use... but...

  Cons

  crashes very frequently, slow on a 3ghz computer, definately not worth the cost

  Summary

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• A must have for any music lover

  April 20, 2004

  Pros

  Cons

  Summary

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