Contents

Tile Page
Dedication
Abstract
Preface
List of Examples
Introduction

1.1 The Early Computer Controlled Piano Systems
1.2 The Computer Music Context
1.3 The Piano as Instrument of Evolution and Innovation
1.4 The Origin and Development of the MetaAction
1.5 MetaAction Operation


Mechanics
Performance Intentions

1.6 Summary of the Model

2 Tale
2.1 Three Instruments


Beyond the Golden Age
Materials and Construction
Sound Production


2.2 Interface Attributes


Physical Form
Mechanical Action to Sound
Feedback and Mechanical Communication
Sound Accessibility
System Noise
Perception of Interaction
Anatomy of the Performer
Concept of Difficulty
Performance Context
Repertoire
Creative Scope


2.3 Interface Notations


J. S. Bach. Allemande. Violin Partita in D minor BWV 1004
F. Chopin. Etude No. 1 in C major Op. 10
S. Rachmaninoff. Vocalise. No. 14 from 14 Songs. Op. 34


2.4 Cultural Positions
2.5 Historical Implications

3.1 Two Compositions


1 Duet for One Pianist Eight Sketches for MIDI Piano and Computer - Jean-Claude Risset
2 Wildlife 5 Movements for Zeta Violin, Boie Radio Drum and Computers - David Jaffe and Andrew Schloss


3.2 Instrumental Development


Zeta Violin
Yamaha Disklavier
Mathews/Boie Radio Drum


3.3 Performer Evolution


Physical Engagement and Visceral Performance


3.4 Musical Communication and Networks

4.1 From Within the Computer Music Milieu
4.2 The Conceptual Instrument


Substance, Description and Representation
Design Logic and Architecture
Primary Function and Control
Instrument Maker
Reproduction, Reconstruction, Deletion and Context
Imperfections, Anomalies and Serendipity


4.3 Language and the Musical Interface


Public Language
Personal Language
Commands, Arguments and Parameters


4.4 Sound as Status of Interface Transactions


Recording
Analysis and Processing
Composition


4.5 Vicissitudes of New Composition Paradigms


Implementation
External Factors
Evaluation


4.6 Personal Means, Private Composition


Technical Prelude
Cmix from the Outside
Cmix and perl


4.7 The Endless Interface : Composition

Conclusion

Bibliography

Discography

Appendices

A. Photographs of the MetaAction


1. MetaAction installed. Driver boards and control logic unit in front.
2. MetaAction. Driver boards with solenoid rails visible at the right.
3. Close up of driver boards. Damper solenoids in background.

B. Conference Papers on the MetaAction


1. ICMC Glasgow 1990
2. Internation Computer Music Conference and Festival at Delphi July 1992.


C. Control Programs for the MetaAction


1. Objective-C programs for MIDI data and initialization and running of DSP programs.
2. DSP assembler program used to control interface hardware.

D. Perl Scripts for Z says...