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Interfacing sound: visual representation of sound in musical software instruments

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posted on 2023-06-09, 02:55 authored by Thor MagnussonThor Magnusson
This chapter explores the role of visual representation of sound in music software. Software design often remediates older technologies, such as common music nota-tion, the analogue tape, outboard studio equipment, as well as applying metaphors from acoustic and electric instruments. In that context, the aim here will be study particular modes in which abstract shapes, symbols and innovative notations can be applied in systems for composition and live performance. Considering the practically infinite possibilities of representation of sound in digital systems – both in terms of visual display and mapping of gestural control-lers to sound – the concepts of graphic design, notation and performance will be discussed in relation to four systems created by the author: ixi software, ixiQuarks, ixi lang, and the Threnoscope live coding environment. These will be presented as examples of limited systems that frame the musician’s compositional thoughts providing a constrained palette of musical possibilities. What this software has in common is the integral use of visual elements in musical composition, equally as prescriptive and representative notation for musical processes. The chapter will present the development of musical software as a form of composition: it is an experimental activity that goes hand in hand with sound and music research, where the musician-programmer has to gain a formal understand-ing of diverse domains that before might have been tacit knowledge. The digital system’s requirements for abstractions of the source domain, specifications of ma-terial, and completeness of definitions are all features that inevitably require a very strong understanding of the source domain.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Publisher

Springer

Page range

153-166

Pages

412.0

Book title

Musical instruments in the 21st century: identities, configurations, practices

ISBN

9789811029509

Department affiliated with

  • Music Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Editors

A de Campo, S Weinzierl, T Bovermann, S I Hardjowirogo, H Egermann

Legacy Posted Date

2016-09-16

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-12-19

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-09-15

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