Cross-platform MIDI in the website

Question

I'm creating an ear training website for musicians. In PHP, it generates simple MIDI file with an error (out-of-tune tone) which the user has to correct. It saves the MIDI file and the user should play it. Here, the funny part begins.

Problems:

• I have to use MIDI, because the exercises are created on-the-fly with random errors.
• I cannot convert it to mp3/ogg serverside since webhostings usually don't come with timidity and lame bundled (correct me if I'm wrong). The site is gonna be non-profit (or very low-profit at best), so dedicated hosting is not an option.
• There are billions of possible combinations, so preparing one large audio file is not possible.
• The playback should be cross-platform.
• I would like to have control over the playback via JS.

What I tried:

• <embed> and <object> - this way you let browser choose the plugin. It's inconsistent and you lose most control over the playback (not mentioning the visual side)

• <audio> - doesn't support MIDI at all

• QuickTime in combination with antique AC_QuickTime.js 1.2, which uses <embed> and <object> dynamically - but I don't want to annoy users with installing extra plugin.

Question:

Is there any other approach/technology I could use?

Answer 1

So I've finally set up a VPS, installed timidity and lame and everything works like charm. Results here: yesmaestro.com