Robert I recently purchased a Emu X board 61 controller..It came with a soft synth Proteus X..This is a standalone that does not need a host program..Exactly what you are asking for..

Also Native Instruments has made available free...Kore..a stand alone with several free sounds included[other sound packages available from NI)..

There are other soft synths at very reasonable prices ..but you need host programs to set up...

If you like I can loan you my copy of Proteus X...Give it a try...

Next time I run into at Friendly's..

Email me..