MUS 329J - Assignment Two

Bach Chorale Instrument

Due via Blackboard by 2 P.M. Tuesday, October 7, 2008

 

Create your own Csound orchestra capable of playing the Bach Chorale #228 score you created for Assignment One. The main pedagogical purpose of this assignment is to give you the opportunity of creating your own Csound orchestra from scratch. Consequently, I want you to "start with a blank piece of paper," as opposed to copying and pasting an existing orchestra, and then just adding a few "bells and whistles." On the other hand, it is an excellent idea to base your own instrument(s) on Sample Orchestra #2, not least of all because you will want the first 9 p-fields to be the same, so you don't have to modify the score. You should also study the instruments in Sample Orchestra #3, as well as the instruments shown in class so far and posted on the web site. IMPORTANT: Do not use any Csound opcodes or synthesis algorithms that have not been covered in class or in the assigned readings.

Instructions and Tips:

  1. You may create up to four different instruments, although only one is required. The required instrument should use additive synthesis of some kind, incorporating at least individually gated 2 oscili or tablei units. You may use more, if desired, but the timbre should change dynamically during a note. For extra credit, you may create additional instruments, using any other techniques and opcodes covered in class, but make sure that the instruments are playing the correct pitches. (I.e., we must be able to recognize the Bach chorale!)
  2. Focus your attention on timbre (tone quality) and dynamics. Try to do something creative in these areas, but using simple means - gating multiple oscillators, slightly detuning them for "chorus" effects, using different waveshapes for different voices and/or at different times in the chorale. Consider applying envelopes to phrases (groups of notes in a melody).
  3. You may also wish to add some other features covered in class, such as vibrato, tremolo, or dynamic panning, but this is not required. 
  4. For you own protection, as well as mine, don't get too fancy, especially with conditions and branching. Keep it simple.
  5. Do NOT attempt to use techniques or Csound opcodes that have not been covered in class.
  6. DO use self-documenting variable names and numerous comments in your code. 
  7. Put both the orchestra and the Bach score in a single .csd file (remember to save it in simple text (ASCII) format).
  8. Turn in your assignment using Blackboard, as usual.