Encore 5.0

Started with MusicTime, a stripped down version of Encore that my brother got me as little gift 20 years ago and I could never get used to Finale, Sibelius etc all these years. Encore seemed straight forward in comparison. The software has not changed much and is still buggy. Can I combine two staffs into one? No. Can I copy and paste a track from one file to another, does not seem so. Does it take for ever to load midi files over 40kb? You bet. Does it crash left and right? Yep!

Encore 5.0 did not work, needed upgrade and had loading problems. could not install with the CD, driver missing also.

Powerful software to write musics, runs very well in Mac.

As an Encore user of 20+ years, I am still surprised by the Finale, Sibelius, et al reviews, the positive ones, particularly those by Sibelius users who claim to have "intuitive software". I have tried those and have been met with frustration. Encore's absolutely intuitive approach is unmatched, and, yes, it does have the capabilities to create a full score. GVOX has added VST and other updated multitimbral playback capabilities. There is also the ability to switch to a beautiful Jazz font for those pop charts and lead sheets. More people should check out this gem. I am sure with more support and development, this thing would blow the competition out of the water. The overall design concept is indeed that good.

In 2000 started with Rhapsody, landed at Encore, frustrated by the stagnancy of Gvox - I see now a small light at the end of the tunnel.For about 10 years was developed nothing by Gvox (it was apparently a pure Cash-Cow-Company).Now with version 5.0.4.872 it works with music-xml (established since 2003) - but CAUTION without Text / Lyric-Import.These in forums also long desired function is still outstanding.Now it is to bring the formerly good product urgently up to date by the resurrected passportmusic.com company.In my opinion, no other software is easier and more efficient than Encore.Most similar would be Finale 2014 - but again, the learning curve is very steep!