As a result of this thread, I'm trying to jog my memory
of stuff I used to know in depth a long time ago..

Yesterday it occurred to me that many folks, me included, avoided setting up bloated Windows media player on brand new PCs.
[being able to uninstall it altogether would be a better option]

Instead installing VLC for videos, and far superior Foobar 2000 for music..

Anyway, it ocured to me that amongst all the available optional plugins for Foobar,
there might be a midi file player...

... and there is...

https://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_midi


https://www.google.com/search?q=foobar+2000+midi+file+player+plugin&oq=foobar+2000+midi+file+player+plugin&aqs=chrome..69i57.129

Though my quick download and test late last night didn't work for some reason...

However, here's a link to someone who gives instructions for a more complicated install...

http://www.ghostlps.com/foobar2000-the-windows-soundfont/