Cycling 74 » Topic: when does a controller become an instrument?

when does a controller become an instrument?

n00b_meister — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:19:32 +0000

not a double post, just flagging this up in case anyone missed it and wishes to join in the fun:

what is an instrument, what is a controller, is Kinect any use?

http://cycling74.com/forums/topic.php?id=34100&replies=12#post-165507

Brendan

Re: when does a controller become an instrument?

Tim Lloyd — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:41:39 +0000

I would have to be irritating and say, that if the controller is ‘instrumental’ in one’s expression, then it’s not a stretch to call it an ‘instrument’ or at least part of one.

Re: when does a controller become an instrument?

broc — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:27:09 +0000

A musical instrument is basically an object that produces sound.
From this view a controller can never become an instrument, but may well be part of it.
For example, a traditional piano has a controller part (keys) and a sound generator (strings).
The main difference of electronic instruments is that both parts are not necessarily in the same box.

Re: when does a controller become an instrument?

n00b_meister — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 15:59:44 +0000

@Tim, aha – semantics! Join us, over on the ‘Misc’ forum.

@broc, yeah, the piano is a tricky one due to that mechanical disconnect (I’m not a pianist), but I have no doubt that concert pianists feel an intimate connection with the sound-engine part of the system, thereby transcending the controller ‘interface’. Also consider, for example, the violin. There is a clear yet intimately cross-coupled connection/relationship between the controller (bow, fingertips) and the sound engine (strings, body). I’m really just shooting the breeze with this one; pop over to the ‘Misc’ forum to join the party.

Brendan

http://brendan-admi.blogspot.com/