Re: problems with learning lilypond

[Trevor Daniels]

Simon Mackenzie wrote Friday, August 07, 2009 3:55 PM
> Eg. What does it mean on page 34 of the Learning Tutorial when it
> says...
>
> "Variables must be defined before the main music expression."
>
> Does this mean the \score { } or does it mean the expression in 
> which
> the declared variable is referenced?

The former, as shown quite clearly in the
template you mention below.

> Because I dutifully declare my variables before the \score { } in 
> my
> script file using the example template from "A.1.4 Notes, lyrics 
> and
> chords" on page 143, again of the learning manual.
> End result...
> This error when I compile my script
>
> "Unexpected string"  errors for every variable I've declared and 
> no
> idea as to why the template example fails to perform as claimed in 
> the
> documentation.
>
> harmonies = \chordmode {...
> melody = \lyricmode {... etc. generate "Unexpected string" errors

The template in the manual certainly does compile
without errors, as the image just below it is the
direct result of a compilation.  I suggest you
look at the template on the website at
http://lilypond.org/doc/v2.12/Documentation/user/lilypond-learning/Single-staff#Single-staff
> From this page you can either copy&paste the code
directly, or click on the image of the music to
open the file directly (in the latter case you
will need to delete the first three lines).  These
files will then compile correctly (I've just tried
it).

> From the error message it looks as if you are
inserting braces round the whole.  Variable
definitions come before any braces.

I'll add a bit to the manual to make that clear.

Trevor