Modulated sine waves displayed in Symbolic Composer’s visualiser tool
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Compass explores the range or compass of the violin around a series of compass points in the manner of an improvised prelude. It is a good example of a composition having its starting point from a visual representation, in this instance a visualisation of modulated sine waves. In the process of algorithmic composition the vector values that make such a visualization possible are translated into symbolic pitch and note length.
This particular visualization has been used in a number of different ways by the composer: in movement 2 of Concerto No.5 for orchestra; in the movement Where Things Come From in Four Commentaries for piano and cello. For another example of Compass see the composer’s work ARRAY:Compass – for piano or keyboard with interactive system.