MIDI files for more than 16 parts (instruments)

Many orchestral MIDI files require 2 MIDI ports, 32 channels for proper playback. The average synthesizer, sound module or computer sound card can handle only 1 MIDI port, 16 channels. In order to listen to this piece you need either 2 synthesizers assigned to 2 different ports, or a Roland SoundCanvas series sound module, capable of playing 32 (or more) channels, like the Roland SC-88, SC-880, SC-8820, SC-8850, SC-D70, SD-20, SD-80, SD-90, etc..

All the above listed modules can play 32 MIDI channels, and have a decent set of General MIDI sounds. Unfortunately Roland, in its ultimate wisdom discontinued the line, so if you would like to buy one of them, it's off to ebay, new ones are no longer available. Pretty sad...

While most classical pieces can be arranged for 16 channels or fewer, romantic and modern composers may use very rich and colorful orchestrations, stretching the limit of standard MIDI. Fortunately we can always add more and better synthesizers to increase the number of instruments in our MIDI orchestra. Remember, MIDI files don't contain any sounds, only the performance, so what you hear is actually your synth. If you think MIDI doesn't sound good enough, maybe all you need is a better soundcard or synth. I've collected all kinds of synthesizers over the years, and they are great for generating unique sounds, but I use my Roland SoundCanvas SC-880 when I listen to classical MIDI files.

MIDI files and polyphony

Polyphony (the number of notes played simultaneously) is also very important. Most orchestral pieces may use 64 or even more notes, so they will only sound good if your MIDI equipment is capable of producing the required polyphony. The above listed sound modules will do fine in that department. You can also use Software Synthesizers to increase polyphony and to improve sound quality.

MIDI Software

Using better software will improve quality, and provide many options. The MIDI plug-in or media player not the best for classical files. There are many MIDI sequencer programs available, with lots of useful options. You can not only listen to the files, but also look at the sheet music, and print it if you'd like, you can edit the files in many ways, change the tempo, switch instruments, repair any bad notes, add some effects, etc. A MIDI sequencer program will allow you to create your own files as well. I use Cakewalk Pro sequencer as my default MIDI player, so whenever I click on a MIDI file, it will open with Cakewalk. This way I can edit and save the file, and look at the notes and all MIDI events while playing.