Stewart D.A. “Digital Musical Instrument Composition: Limits and Constraints” Proceedings of the Electroacoustic Music Studies Conference, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2010
Abstract
This discussion investigates the importance of understanding and establishing limits on the following three areas during the compositional process of creating music for a digital musical instrument (DMI): group paradigms; performance practises; sound-gesture combinations. I will propose a compositional model in which composing for and performing on a DMI requires rigourous technique attained only by proper training; thus, the proposed model advocates physically active on-stage music-making in the field of computer music – rather than typical and current static representations. Examples are drawn from performances featuring different DMIs, as well as a small selection of ensemble music combing digital with acoustic instrumentalists. These examples serve to assess the implementation of limits and constraints in the compositional approach of different composers.
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