Moving Bits

Abstract

Moving Bits is an interactive composition for Gametrak and Symbolic Sound’s Kyma. The Gametrak, a three-dimensional position-tracking system, functions as the interface for my data-driven instrument and it controls a variety of musical parameters such as timbre, pitch, timeindex, and density of events. The data created in the Gametrak is first sent to Max/MSP and then to the sound-producing algorithm residing in Kyma. Kyma responds to the data by producing the synthesized sound. Sound sources of this piece include several audio files that possess short, clean and harsh attacks. These sounds are based on recordings of Chinese instruments such as the Erhu, Guqin and Yunluo. The motives of this piece derive from various rhythm patterns. By controlling the change in the parameters, I control the musical drama as it unfolds.