notesdontmatter

Creative Computing - Major Project - Semester 1, 2007

Markov the Serial Killer

David J Dowling

04’ 49


This is an experimental piece, which utilises either the principles of Serialism or 1st order Markov probability for the selection of MIDI data.



The premise is simple, assuming the reader has a basic understanding of the two schools of thought. A tone row is selected at the beginning of the piece. Under the control of Markov selection to begin with, the tone row does not play back in its serial order, but in a random order selected via a Markov probability map. Around the one minute mark the playback control is handed to a serial function and the notes play back in the order of the initial tone row.


The midi values of each tone in the row are mapped and scaled to various MIDI controllers in the synthesiser used for the piece. This causes random sweeping and other erratic controller behaviour, which varies the timbre of the piece significantly.


The aesthetic goal is to create an atmosphere of a struggle between the two potential control functions.


Passage 1 “The Stalking”:

The piece begins quietly, in the low frequency register, as the Markov control goes about its business.

Passage 2 “The Intervention”:

The control is hijacked by Schoenberg and it becomes Serial.

Passage 3-4 “The Return” and ”The Struggle”:

Things progressively become frantic as the control is switched between Markov and Serial. The note values are raised and lowered in frequency to increase and decrease the range of control sweeping.




Passage 5 “The Aftermath”:

Eventually Markov wins the epic battle and the sound scape reverts to a peaceful drone.


Click here to link to online folder containing an MP3 and project documentation.


Reference:

Haines, Christian. ‘Creative Computing – Major Project – Semester 1, 2007.’ Project undertaken at Audio lab 408, Level 4, Schultz Building, University of Adelaide, June 2007.

posted by David J Dowling @ 1:51 PM