Getting Random with MAX

Overview:

The application of random numbers to music composition has been used for hundreds of years - composers from Mozart to John Cage have used probability to control musical form, pitch content, rhythm, timbre and dynamics. Greek mathematician and composer Iannis Xenakis terms the use of probability to music stochastics. Random number generators are useful in creating musical situations which can generate considerable complexity. The used of bounded randomness (where the domain of possible resultants is constrained in some manner) is a simple, yet exceedingly useful refinement of the basic technique.

This project focuses on the specific application of randomness to the three parameters needed to frame a midi note event - namely, pitch, velocity and duration.

Objects:

This project will use the following objects (and probably quite a few more that you are already

familiar with):

table (to control or constrain the domain of randomness)

random (to call addresses of table)

metro

makenote

noteout

The Project:

Using the object listed above, as well as others of your choosing, create a MAX program which controls three discrete sounds using a random table lookup method. These three sounds must each have their own associated MIDI channel - a combination on the T1 is called for in this case.

Snd 1 - multi sampled percussion

Snd 2 - complex electronic sound

Snd 3 - complex electronic sound

Your program will control each of these three sound independently - allowing for user control of the timbres in the front panel (i.e. an on/off switch for each). Furthermore, the program will control each parameter (pitch, loudness, duration) randomly and independently. You must allow for the control of the range (domain) of randomness for each parameter. For the parameter of pitch you are to use a table object to define which pitches will be randomly chosen by the program for the specific timbre. This allows for the careful control of the resultant musical materials.

Specifics:

You are encouraged to work in teams or alone as you wish.

For Snd1 - choose a subset of the percussion Akit@ you are using as a sound source on the T1.

For Snd2 and Snd3 - use a table object to control the pitches chosen for this sound using a scale or mode of your choice.

Each of the three sounds must be temporally independent. The metro units which drive these sounds must have a tempo which is randomized.

On the date due:

Have your program ready for discussion in class - as well as a disc containing it (one from each team is okay as long as the team members are listed on the label) and a synopsis outlining how you created the program which is to be typed and authored by the team working on the project.

Other matters:

Keeping up to date?

You should now be working on the second electronic music composition of your portfolio of three compositions which form 50% of your course grade.

You should now be working on the final few tutorials in MAX.

You should have turned in the first project with a written description of how your program was conceived and created along with a disk containing it.