Strange Attractors: A Virtual Instrument Algorithm for Acoustic Instruments

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-1991

Abstract

Composers have long been searching for ways to integrate acoustic instruments with synthesized or computer-processed sounds, particularly in the area of score following. While score following is certainly a logical model for the coordination of computer and performer, I have been more interested in developing interdependent processes between acoustic and computer instruments. My search has been for a logical and musical link between the intuitive processes of acoustic performance practice and real-time computer music synthesis. To do this, I began thinking about a different paradigm to treat these two media, one which is event-based rather than time-based. The main thrust of this paradigm is to treat the computer sounds as extensions of the acoustic instrument - a "virtual" instrument which behaves and sounds according to rules and algorithms that satisfy an underlying aesthetic of acoustic viability. The initial product of this research is Strange Attractors vLOb (1990) for bassoon and computer-con trolled synthesis and signal processing. This paper will discuss virtual instruments, the nature of the Strange Attractors algorithm and how the algorithm's temporal and translation features create a reactive contrapuntal music environment responsive to the instrumental subtleties of a human performer.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Proceedings of the 1991 International Computer Music Conference Icmc 1991

First Page

332

Last Page

335

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