COMM2591 - HMsEx Secondary Project Research & Development :: Week 10

GYRE Project update:

• Tom liked 'GYRE Oscillation' & "GYRE Drone Intro"
• GYRE Oscillation in particular fit perfectly with a sequence he is planning for the middle of the performance.
• Moving forward using GYRE Oscillation as a basis for the centrepiece of the composition and build outward
• Will either scrap or build upon GYRE Drone Intro as a lead in to GYRE Oscillation
• Composition/performance length has been shortened to 7-8 minutes max to fit everyone in

• Need for Revision in GYRE Oscillation sketch post session in situ
• Key and phrasing did not sound powerful enough
• Percussion sounded very odd, considering abandoning it all together
• Grain voicing vs Organ acoustic 'timbral flux' concept was not as compelling in situ as hoped 
• Will most likely abandon this and move forward developing 'temporal flux' concept

Built a MaxMSP tool to generate exponential decay patterns in MIDI

I achieved this using recursion. The [detonate] object in Max takes a list with a MIDI note value and timing data in milliseconds. This draws MIDI notes into a piano roll when executed. By sending a starting value through a recursive patch that multiplied it by a float that is less than 1.0 - every time the millisecond value goes through the loop it has the same amount removed from the previous time, which shortens at every loop.

These values are collected into a [coll] then when the value is below a threshold of 5ms the loop stops and dumps the [coll] into [detonate] which generates the MIDI pattern - which is ready to import into Ableton.

This effect is usually achieved using audio delays, but by having the MIDI pattern on hand I can send these patterns to the Glockenspiel and the Carillon or my synthesisers.

Inspired by compositions using this technique:

Autechre - Drane2

I think using similar harmonic content to the organ in this manner will generate a sense of temporal flux I am seeking with this composition. I am confident that the percussive attacks (using FM synthesis and envelopes) will contrast quite nicely with the organ when played in the same key.

I am excited to hear how this develops!




I experimented with IanniX software this week to generate MIDI patterns. IanniX is incredible free software used to generate scores and control messages using moving graphical objects inspired by Iannis Xenaxis.

IanniX is particularly useful for projects with a strong visual theme, you can program graphically and hear the result using OSC messages assigned to synthesisers.

After spending some time with IanniX I decided not to proceed - though I've wanted to use this tool for a while to create scores - I feel that I need to use software I am familiar with to achieve a greater result for the composition with more control.

I experimented with Steve Reich's famous Phasing technique with MIDI patterns in Ableton using Carillon and Glockenspiel emulations using different loop lengths that met at alternating times. I really enjoy employing this technique - I find it generates complexity and engagement while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic really well.

But I'm starting to feel this may take the composition in another direction. I think it may be best to stick to the ideas contained within GYRE Oscillation and work on using the accompaniment to create dynamism within the composition (as the original sketch felt a bit flat in situ)

Steve Reich - Piano Phase

Performed  by Tine Allegaert & Lukas Huisman (www.lukashuisman.be)