A digital file format storing musical information, rather than actual audio, represents the core subject. This file type contains instructions interpretable by synthesizers or sound cards to recreate a specific melody, harmony, and rhythmic structure. As an illustration, imagine a computer game utilizing simple, lightweight musical themes; the instructions for those themes could be contained within this compact format.
This specific instruction set offers several advantages, including small file size, ease of editing, and compatibility across various platforms. Historically, it enabled music creation and sharing in environments with limited bandwidth and processing power. Its efficiency made it crucial for early computer music, embedded systems, and online music distribution during periods of slower internet connections.