Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!linac!att!pacbell.com!ucsd!sdcc6!sdcc13!cpenrose From: cpenrose@sdcc13.ucsd.edu (Christopher Penrose) Newsgroups: comp.music Subject: Re: Definition of "computer music" Message-ID: <17051@sdcc6.ucsd.edu> Date: 28 Feb 91 00:02:38 GMT References: <1991Feb26.083810.27113@ccu.umanitoba.ca> <17011@sdcc6.ucsd.edu> Sender: news@sdcc6.ucsd.edu Organization: University of California, San Diego Lines: 37 Nntp-Posting-Host: sdcc13.ucsd.edu In article eiverson@nmsu.edu (Eric Iverson) writes: >In article <17011@sdcc6.ucsd.edu> cpenrose@sdcc13.ucsd.edu (Christopher Penrose) writes: > > Computer music is a label for audio signals that were in some way > affected by computer technology. > >Hmmm...that would mean most telephone conversations qualify as >computer music. What about RF noise interference from a PC? >Actually, the Altair *did* use this to create music, but I hardly >think that most RF noise qualifies. What about the sound of a PC >falling of a desk? That's a sound that's affected by computer >technology. > >I believe a more specific definition is in order. I actually considered the musicality of telephone conversations while I was posting my first reply. audible rf interference, the nifty whir of a disk drive spinning up, the sound of coffee spilled onto a motherboard, the grunge of a converted a.out core file, all these examples can be considered "computer music". Why must the concept of "computer music" exclude these possibilities? As an adjective, the word "computer" can reference many distinct contexts: it is a sleazy word. As a composer and aesthetic voyeur, I thrive upon the existence of plentiful aesthetic contexts. I mentioned in my first reply that I saw ways in which this definition should be extended -- the consensual restriction of music to the audio domain is an amputation of vast regions of potential musical developments. You desire a more specific definition of "computer music" -- I give reason to extend and generalize its definition -- what concrete rationale can you provide to justify a narrower context for this concept? You may find it difficult to make your definition more specific without misrepresenting the dispositions of people somehow involved with the marriage of computer technology and music. Christopher Penrose jesus!penrose