Computer Music Practice Examples is a new series featuring the application of computer music technology to instrument design, composition, performance, and presentation.
PS Quartet No.1 is a piece for Sony DualShock 4 Controllers and computer. All sound and graphics were created with SuperCollider. This piece is written for small to large laptop ensembles.
The piece was premiered and recorded by EMEWS (Electronic Music Ensemble of Wayne State). In the recording above, the piece was performed by the following members (from left to right)
Sean Monaghan
Laura Apolloni
James VanRysseghem
Joey McLennan
Charles Moore
This piece can be performed by anyone with a PlayStation controller and a computer. Instructions, scores, and necessary codes are available at the following link:
Turn on the controller before opening SuperCollider
Open SuperCollider
Each performer opens one of the files from PSQ1-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, or Bass according to his/her part and the connection (there are different files for USB and Bluetooth)
Go to Menu->Language->Evaluate File. The screen will become black and the patch is ready to start.
To quit or stop, press command+. (period) or anequivalent shortcut of Stop in Menu->Language
(update: 10/8/20221) The post has three videos of Control Click. The first video is an excerpt that demonstrates the aesthetics and how-tos of the piece. The second video is a documentation of the 12-minute version installed in an outdoor.
Control Click is a piece for a site with multiple computers, such as computer lab or a game room. With a simple installation of a freeware, a typical computer lab will turn into a multichannel audio-visual instrument playing algorithmically generated parts. The piece has two subsections: the first section is an ambient soundscape to be played while the audience gathers in the site. Once enough audience is gathered in the lab, the main section will start. The main section is about 12 minutes long, and it sounds like a dream sequence at an arcade.
Technical Needs:
1. A site with iMac computers.
A computer lab is the easiest place to realize this piece, but any spaces that can host multiple computers would work
The current version works best with 8 to17 computers
8 to16 computers are Performers. See instructions in Performer.scd file for hardware/software setup instructions.
1 computer is Conductor. See instructions in Conductor-8Macs.scd or Conductor-16Macs.scd for hardware/software setup instructions.
All iMacs should not go to sleep mode or turn on screen saver
All iMacs should use their internal speakers
All iMacs often play the sound at its maximum volume
The technician or the installation manager should have an admin access to adjust the network setup
The piece runs in automation mode once the technician setups and runs the Conductor and Performer files at the beginning of the installation
Questions?
If you need a version for a different number of computers, please feel free to contact me.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
The third video is an update of an old sound installation It is now performable with an ensemble of drum machines. EMEWS is following the below instructions cued by a conductor.
[0] Computer part starts. Stay muted at BPM 146
[1] Enter one by one (2-3 instruments, no BD)
[2] Gradually add delays or effects
[3] Stop Delay
[4] Mute
[5] Enter one by one
[6] Sudden Delay
[7] No Delay. Improvise freely. One person adds BD