From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!ihps3!ihnet!tjr
Newsgroups: net.followup
Title: Re: RFI & Terminals
Article-I.D.: ihnet.102
Posted: Wed Nov  3 09:17:35 1982
Received: Thu Nov  4 03:03:32 1982
References: ihuxo.156 utcsstat.379


At the University of Illinois physics computer (circa 1971), we had
an IBM 7094. One of the operators (who often worked the nearly-idle
night shift) wrote a "music compiler", which used accumulator loops
with varying increments to play tunes through an ordinary AM radio
placed on the console. He had the capability for 3-note chords,
arbitrary rhythms, etc. The compiler was written in FORTRAN.

The most spectacular piece of computer music I have ever heard
was his version of the 1812 Overture. It lasted about 6 minutes,
and included squealing tape-drives for the carillons, and massive
overprintings on the printer for cannons. Synthesizer-music just
can't come close to the bald incongruity of this crazy computer
playing Tchaikovsky!

		Tom Roberts
		..ihps3!ihnet!tjr