IEEE 1599 : a multi-layer approach to music description

IEEE 1599 is a new XML-based format to describe heterogeneous music contents comprehensively. In a single file, music symbols, printed scores, audio tracks, computer-driven performances, catalogue metadata, text and graphic contents related to a single music piece are linked and mutually synchronized within the same framework. Heterogeneous contents are organized in a multilayered structure that supports different encoding formats and a number of digital objects for each layer. The article aims at describing this approach for the description of heterogeneous music-related contents, and providing guidelines to understand key concepts of IEEE 1599 standard.