We talk about the history of the software tool OpenMusic (OM), analyze the features of its device, talk about the first users. Plus, we give analogies.
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What is OpenMusic
This is an object-oriented for digital sound synthesis. The utility is based on a dialect of the LISP language β . It is worth noting that OpenMusic can be used as a universal graphical interface for this PL.
The instrument was developed in the 90s by engineers from the French Institute for Research and Coordination of Acoustics and Music (). In total, seven versions of OpenMusic were presented - the last one was released in 2013. Then IRCAM engineer Gene Bresson () rewrote the utility from scratch, taking sixth version (OM6). Today OM7 is licensed - its sources can be .
How to work with her
Programs in OpenMusic are created by manipulating graphic objects instead of writing code. The result is a kind of flowchart, which is called a "patch". By analogy with modular synthesizers, in which patch cords were used for connections.
Here OpenMusic taken from the GitHub repository:
There are two types of objects in OpenMusic: basic and score objects. The former are various mathematical operations for working with matrices, columns, and text forms.
Score objects are necessary for working with sound. They can also be divided into two groups:
- Harmonic - notes, chords and .
- Rhythmic - voices and beats.
Score objects are managed using score functions, such as combining multiple components into one to create a polyphonic sound. Additional functions can be found in the included libraries - a complete list of them .
You can listen to an example of a tune generated by OpenMusic :
To get acquainted with the tool and its capabilities, we recommend that you refer to the documentation. is still in development. But you can look at the OM6 reference - you need and expand the User Manual item in the window on the left.
Who uses
As conceived by the developers, OpenMusic can be used to create and edit audio tracks, generate mathematical models of works and analyze recorded musical passages. Engineers from ITCAM have used the tool in several scientific studies. For example, for artificial intelligence system that recognizes on audio recordings.
Professional performers also work with OpenMusic - they use the utility to study harmonic spectra. An example would be a Swiss composer , who is the winner of the Beethoven Prize. His work performed by the Hong Kong Symphony Orchestra can be .
Also worth noting . He is one of the largest composers working in the direction . For example, YouTube has his work ΠΈ created with OpenMusic.
English composer and teacher used OpenMusic to work with rhythm. Today, his music is included in the repertoire of the largest contemporary ensembles and performers - ΠΈ .
Analogues
There are several systems similar to OpenMusic. Perhaps the most famous will be a commercial tool . It was developed by Miller Puckette in the late 80's while working for IRCAM. The system allows you to synthesize digital sound and video in real time.
The video below shows the installation on one of the buildings in the Italian city of Cagliari. The color of the screens changes depending on the noise of passing cars. The installation is controlled by a bundle of Max / MSP and Arduino.
It's worth noting that Max/MSP has an open source counterpart. It is called , and was also developed by Miller Puckett.
It is also worth highlighting the visual system , which was invented by Perry Cook (Perry Cook) with colleagues from Princeton University in 2003. It supports parallel execution of several threads, plus you can make changes to the program right at runtime. Distributed under the GNU GPL license.
The list of tools for digital music synthesis does not end there. There is also ΠΈ , which allows you to program mixes right on stage. We will try to talk about them next time.
Additional reading from our Hi-Fi World and Telegram channel:
Source: habr.com