The Aesthetics, History and Future Challenges of Interconnected Music Networks
Gil Weinberg · University of Michigan Library Repository · 2002
Abstract This paper presents an overview of the field of Interconnected Musical Networks – live performance systems that allow players to influence, share, and shape each other’s music in real-time. Informed by social and biologicalsystems, these networks are designed to allow a group of performers to interdependently collaborate in creating dynamic and evolving musi cal compositions. The paper starts with a discussion of the motivations and aesthetics behind this unique form of social artistic expression. It then goes on to describe a number of historical and technological landmarks that led the way to the development of the field, from the early experimentations with the radio transistor as a musical instrument, through the introduction of digital technology and networked PCs, to the current proliferation in Internet music research. This review leads to the formulation of a number of future prospects and challenges which address the introduction of Interconnected Musical Networks (IMNs) to wider audiences, novices, and children. The paper concludes with a presentation of two IMN projects that were developed in the Hyperinstruments group at MIT Media Laboratory, which address these future challenges.