Ravel is a C like interpreted programming language that
directly supports MIDI music constructs. It combines
C like features with MIDI facilities built into the language.
The system is intended to be used for building algorithmic
composition systems. The system consists of two principle
programs, "mos", which is a command shell and program
executor, and "mc", which is the ravel compiler. mc is a
fast one-pass compiler. Edit, compile, play cycles are very
short.

Features include:

Programming: 
	. concurrency, parallel main programs that run against
	one event clock.
	. functions 
	. include files
	. if-then-else; switch statement
	. for loop and break
	. note and time constants for music
	. almost all C expression operators supported
	. constant expressions in declared arrays
	. midi action statements, including two ways to make
	chords
	. predefined function library

Midi actions:
	Most actions take expressions as operators; e.g.,
	note	C   q   forte
	note    ar[3] q*2  forte-x

	would be note statements.

	. notes including optional durations
	. chord statements
	. patch, pitch bend, continuous controller
	. dx7 param changes
	. metro - clock change
	. and others

Midi actions may be declared as statements or may
be put in special arrays and treated as data.

Predefined functions:
	. strong random number package including
	fractal generator and drunken walk routine
	. motif manipulation functions
	. console i/o
	. raw midi i/o
	. vector (scalar) array manipulation
	. midi oriented functions (linear scaled pitch bend)
	. action data executor

Mos features:
	. unix ls, cp, rm, mv
	. can execute dos programs (editors...)
	. can escape to dos
	. can save current music setup in ASCII mos command file
	. can execute commands from mos command file.
	. control tempo, set startoff patch, change per
	channel transpose or overall transpose
	. can set simulation feature and save midi actions
	in per channel ASCII file. Subset of Ravel language.

New features:
	The popular CAKEWALK sequencer available from
	Twelve Tone systems has programs available
	that translate to and from an ASCII file format.
	Ravel now has the capability to translate to
	and from the CAKEWALK v2. ASCII file format. 
	Notes may be translated back and forth from Ravel 
	to CAKEWALK. CAKEWALK also provides a path to 
	Dr. T's COPYIST.

	Ravel has two new functions that permit raw
	i/o to ibm-pc ports.

	Ravel now supports a matrix data type; i.e.
	a pointer to 2 dimensional arrays. This is useful
	for experimentation with stochastic based algorithms.

Upcoming features:
	Ravel will eventually be modular, in a Modula
	like manner; i.e., with an import/export mechanism
	and a capability to link files together. Currently
	the only modularity comes from include files.

Machines:
	1. ibm-pc/ mpu-401 only
	Distribution disks are 9 sector 48tpi dsdd.

Price: $30. This includes a loose leaf programming manual
of about 300 pages and software on two disks. Disk one contains
executable programs and disk two contains Ravel music programs.

If a user pays $50, the user becomes registered and will
be entitled to at least one free update plus any information
on bugs, etc. One may choose to pay $30 to take a look and
then throw in $20 more to become registered.

Available from:
	Jim Binkley
	5814 SW Taylor
	Portland, Or. 97221