Developing real-time systems for concert performance

Abstract

This artist talk describes the compositional and technical aspects of several of the author's compositional projects using the Max/MSP graphical programming environment. Musical choices and audio signal processing technologies used in the context of a realtime performance system often have a tightly interwoven relationship: sometimes technological developments are motivated by musical necessity, and conversely the construction of some of musical material is a consequence of technological considerations. This will be elucidated through examples from the author's series of preludes for flute, clarinet, and alto flute. In addition to discussing the signal processing effects used in these pieces, an important emphasis will also be made on the pitch tracking and score following techniques used.