The beta release of MusicXML has been announced by Recordare, an Internet music publishing company.

MusicXML is an XML language, defined by DTDs, that allows the representation of Western musical notation as used in printed sheet music. Michael Good, Recordare's CEO, stated the motivation behind MusicXML:

The market for downloadable sheet music has been stunted by its reliance on proprietary binary formats. Consumers want the flexibility to use their sheet music purchase with their favorite PC programs. The MusicXML beta release is a milestone in this direction.

Various software packages support MusicXML, including:

• Recordare's MusicXML converter for Finale
• SharpEye Music Reader 2
• Upcoming support is expected in Project Xemo and Middle C.