diff --git a/patacrep/build.py b/patacrep/build.py
index 83817d1c..baa335fb 100644
--- a/patacrep/build.py
+++ b/patacrep/build.py
@@ -232,8 +232,8 @@ class SongbookBuilder(object):
             raise errors.ExecutableNotFound(compiler)
 
         # Test if lilypond compiler is accessible
-        lilypond_compiler = 'lilypond'
         if self.songbook.requires_lilypond():
+            lilypond_compiler = 'lilypond'
             try:
                 check_call(
                     [lilypond_compiler, "--version"],