I am intrigued with the current discussion as to whether or not a MIDI
file is a recording.  The logic of some opinions is difficult to
fathom, particularly the assertion that a note-for-note transfer of
a piece of written music to a MIDI file cannot correctly be described
as a recording, whereas a slightly altered version of the same source
material can.  If you paint a black Rolls Royce pink, it is still
a Rolls Royce.

There is little doubt in my mind that a MIDI file is a recording
because it has two (there are almost certainly more) crucial factors
in common with other mediums such as magnetic tape and CDs:

1.  It is a music recording/storage/retrieval device.
2.  A MIDI file requires special equipment to enable it to be played.

Questions concerning the nature and origin of the music such a file
contains, the absence of dynamics and other musical factors are
irrelevant -- they do not address the subject under scrutiny.  They are
matters concerning authorship and interpretation of music.

I use MIDI as one of the processes when constructing my piano rolls
(the other two being Encore and Richard Brandle's ingenious Wind
program), the majority of which I have transcribed from recordings by
famous jazz pianists.  At one time I used a punch,  which I have now
abandoned because MIDI gives far more satisfying results and infinite
freedom of editing.

Finally may I invite you to judge for yourself: visit my web site where
I have placed some of my MIDI files (just follow the link to my MIDI
page).  If they are not recordings then I shall eat my hat.

John Farrell
http://homepages.tesco.net/~stridepiano/