[adrianallan]

Ralph, thanks for the kind review.

I only sat down at the piano and started writing this from scratch last Saturday; but when I'm in the mood, musical compulsive disorder takes over.

In terms of the software, Sibelius is only really needed if you are planning to send your piece off to musicians and make a good impression. Notation gives a good working product.

Finale and Sibelius are the two products aimed at top-end scoring. Finale is more popular your side of the Atlantic, whereas Sibelius has more of the European following. Both are quite expensive and Sibelius is about $800. I think Sibelius is much easier to use and has better product support.

The full Cubase is not necessary. Ask for Cubase Studio 5. This is about $400. I use this and it's perfectly good enough. The full Cubase gives quadrophonic sound, which most people don't need.

Thanks again