of Microprocessors

MusIC SYNTHESIS PRINCIPLES 7
Increased Precision
Another often desired goal that can only be fulfilled through the use of
electronics is increased precision in the control of sounds. Additionally,
aspects of sound that in the past have been left to chance or were predefined
can now be precisely controlled. In fact, when a computer is involved, all of
the parameters of sound must be specified somehow, even if the actual desire
is to ignore some of them.
In many ways the human ear is very sensitive to and critical of imperfections
in musical sounds. Small amounts of certain types of distortion can
be very unpleasant. Relatively small shifts in pitch can break up an otherwise
beautiful chord into a not so beautiful one. Many hours are spent in practice
sessions getting the relative volume balance between instruments correct and
repeatable.
Timing is another variable that must be controlled, since the ear is
extremely sensitive to relative timing among musical events. Its capacity for
following and analyzing rapid sound sequences exceeds the capabilities of
conventionally played instruments. However, electronic instruments, particularly
those involving computers, have control over time to any degree of
accuracy desired.
In one technique of electronic tone production, for example, the user
has complete control over the fundamental building blocks of timbre, the
harmonic partials. Any timbre (within a broad class of timbres) may be
created by combining the harmonics in different proportions. Timbres may
be experimented with, saved for exact recall, and later utilized or refined
further. The ability to document and accurately recreate timbres and sounds
is as important as the ability to create them.
Extreme precision in all aspects of music performance is novel but not
necessarily good. Many will argue that such precision leads to mechanical
sounding music. Indeed, certain kinds of uncertainty or subtle variation are
necessary to maintain listener interest. However, if one starts with a precise
product, then the needed imperfections may be added in the precise quantity
desired.
Certainly, a musician working with electronics is not limited by inaccuracies
in the control of sounds.
Increased Complexity
Complexity is one of the hallmarks ofcontemporary music. It is used to
increase the impact of the piece, display virtuosity both of the performer and
the composer, and to create a rich "sound landscape" upon which the primary
theme stands.
Complexity in this case means the quantity of musical events per unit
of time. Thus, it may actually be either greater speed or more parts playing
simultaneously or both. A modern recording studio can make a small ensem-