Re: [microsound] Is the computer an instrument or performer?

[ben nevile <bbn@xxxxxxxx>]

> Is the computer an instrument or one of the performers?
>
> Think david tudor...he set up complex systems with electronics that
> would then just go on their own...

that's not so different from the acoustic guitar that's sitting here in 
my office.  if I pluck one of the strings, it just goes off and 
resonates on its own!

again I think this is largely a question of the definition of 
"instrument" and "performer".  invariably there will be problems with 
any answer, but here's a possible definition anyway: an instrument is 
something that behaves predictably.  you give it the same input, it 
gives you the same output.  therefore a computer is an instrument.

(please keep in mind that a computer does not possess the means to 
create real "random" behaviour within itself.  so although some people 
may create instruments that incorporate "random" behaviour - our 
beloved Kim C, for example - it is only an illusion based on very, very 
long cycles of repeating numbers.  randomness in this case is derived 
from an input, specifically whatever is used to seed the random number 
generator.)

bbn

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