Title :
Formula: a programming language for expressive computer music
Author :
Anderson, David P. ; Kiuvila, R.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. Eng. & Comput. Sci., California Univ., Berkeley, CA, USA
fDate :
7/1/1991 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
An overview is given of Formula (an abbreviation for Forth Music Language), a language for controlling synthesizers that can model the expressiveness of a human performance. Formula supports algorithmic composition, interactive performance, and programmed interpretation of traditional scores. It uses concurrent processes that share a single address space and are scheduled by the runtime system. Note-playing processes compute sequences of pitches and play these pitches as notes or chords. Auxiliary processes are attached to note-playing processes or groups to supply note parameters such as volume, duration, and articulation. Input-handling processes execute when input arrives from a particular device. Two representative Formula programs are described.<>
Keywords :
FORTH; FORTH listings; electronic music; high level languages; music; Formula; Forth Music Language; address space; algorithmic composition; chords; concurrent processes; expressive computer music; input-handling processes; interactive performance; note parameters; note-playing processes; notes; pitches; programming language; runtime system; scheduled; synthesizers; volume; Computer languages; Concurrent computing; Fluctuations; Instruments; Keyboards; Mice; Music; Synthesizers; Timing; Utility programs;
