/ Topics / Soundscaping

Motivation

With the invention of machine-controlled music generation (cf. 19th century pianola), new modes of musical expression have emerged. The constraint that music be performable by human musicians was removed. Initially this led to music with more notes (see see Nancarrow). It later led to the diminishment of the role of notes in some music and toward the exploration of sounds.

We introduce the term soundscaping to describe alternate approaches to the production of interesting sonic experiences. In the 21st century styles like ambient, minimalist, aleatory, trance and cinematic are recognized by their soundscapes more than as a pattern of notes or musical themes.

A programmable sound system like Hz is well suited for creating soundscapes. With complete or controlled randomness, access to live internet datasources (like stock tickers), and arbitrary control over the processing and evolution of the audio processing pipeline you can design sound-production-engines for every occasion.

A programmable sound engine can operate as a perpetual sound machine. For example, a soundscape program can produce unique sounds for as long a the program+computer is provided electricity. Your soundscapes can evolve over minutes, days or years.

See Also

Radio Example

Music On a Long Thin Wire

Black MIDI

Nancarrow MIDI