Note off

Definition

A 'note off' message is a command in MIDI that signifies the end of a note being played, indicating to the instrument that the note should stop sounding. This message is crucial for accurately controlling the duration of notes in MIDI compositions and performances, ensuring that the notes are articulated correctly and maintain their intended musical expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Note off' messages are sent using a specific MIDI channel and contain information about which note to stop playing.
2. Each 'note off' message is paired with a corresponding 'note on' message to create a complete musical phrase.
3. 'Note off' messages can also include a velocity value, which can influence the sound or effect applied when the note stops.
4. The timing of 'note off' messages is essential for creating accurate rhythms and dynamics in MIDI compositions.
5. Improper use of 'note off' messages can lead to unintended note overlaps or sustain issues in musical arrangements.

Review Questions

• How does the timing of 'note off' messages impact the overall performance of MIDI compositions?
  • 'Note off' messages play a critical role in controlling when notes are released in MIDI compositions. If these messages are not timed correctly, it can lead to a cluttered sound where notes overlap unintentionally, disrupting the intended rhythm. Additionally, proper timing allows for expressive playing techniques such as staccato and legato, which are essential for conveying emotion and dynamics in music.
• Compare and contrast 'note on' and 'note off' messages in terms of their functions and importance in MIDI communication.
  • 'Note on' and 'note off' messages are two fundamental components of MIDI communication that work together to define note playback. The 'note on' message triggers the start of a note, providing details like pitch and velocity, while the 'note off' message signals the end of that note. Both are essential for creating clear articulation in music; without accurate 'note off' messages, notes may sustain longer than intended or fail to stop altogether, muddying the musical texture.
• Evaluate how effective use of 'note off' messages can enhance musical expression in electronic music composition.
  • Effective use of 'note off' messages significantly enhances musical expression by allowing composers to control note duration precisely, which affects how music feels to the listener. By manipulating these messages, composers can achieve various articulations, such as creating silence between notes for staccato effects or allowing notes to fade out smoothly. This level of control over timing and expression helps bring electronic compositions closer to the nuanced performances typically found in acoustic music.

Related terms

MIDI:

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a technical standard that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate and synchronize with one another.

note on:

A 'note on' message is a command in MIDI that indicates a note should begin sounding, typically specifying the note's pitch and velocity.

velocity: In MIDI, velocity refers to the speed or force with which a note is played, affecting its volume and timbre, and is communicated through 'note on' and 'note off' messages.