hans w. koch

some of us might pause maxing to mourn the dead of max mathews, pioneer of computer music and namesake for our beloved max/msp, who died today at the age of 85.

My friend and mentor Max Mathews died this morning in San Francisco, California of complications from pneumonia. He is survived by his wife Marjorie, his three sons Vern, Guy and Boyd and by his grandchildren Sky, Myles, Asia, Tabitha, Seth and Owen.

From: Jon Appleton
Date: April 21, 2011 1:07:29 PM EDT
Subject: Max V. Mathews (1926-2011)

rip-max-mathews

I was fortunate enough to be able to hear Max Mathews talk in San Francisco last year. Even in his old age he was enthusiastic and obviously brilliant.

I'm saddened to hear about his passing, and condolences to his friends and family. The rest of us can only hope that our contributions to any field would have even a fraction of the impact he had to both music and science.

I was fortunate enough to be able to hear Max Mathews talk in San Francisco last year. Even in his old age he was enthusiastic and obviously brilliant. 

I had a great run-in with him at Banff not too many years ago. We got a lot of people touring through the studios but most of them weren't asking detailed questions about our A/D converting! I'm glad I thought to ask who he was, and for some details on Bicycle Built for Two!

I had a great run-in with him at Banff not too many years ago.  We got a lot of people touring through the studios but most of them weren't asking detailed questions about our A/D converting!  I'm glad I thought to ask who he was, and for some details on Bicycle Built for Two!


If you design digital musical instruments, or even just use a computer to make music - this is indeed sad news.

rip max mathews