Some Reflections on the Nature of the Landscape within Which Computer Music Systems are Designed

Abstract

In the broadest way, a systems-oriented attitude is characterized by particular sensitivities towards: (1) dynamic functioning as a transformation process of some type, whereby an input is acted upon to produce an output; and (2) organization as a multivariable complexity of subsystems which are linked to form the whole system. The functioning of the system is directly related to its organization. In fact, one might define a system as a whole which functions as it does because of the way its parts are organized. By the term music, I mean music that is produced by a hardware and software system that importantly includes a computer, but may also include other analog or digital synthesis equipment. The numerous possibilities for computer music system design, which result from the decreasing cost and consequent easy availability of computer system components, makes the question of what type of system to design an extremely compelling one. Specific answers to this question can be resolved only after much more research in psychoacoustics is completed and after composers have had a chance to work with equipment presently being built. There are, however, certain general considerations in system design that might be mentioned at this time. But before designing a system, which is essentially the work of creating an organization of software and hardware modules, it is essential to understand how the system is intended to function. The choices for functioning and their implications in organization are the subject of this brief essay.