The Misfortune of the Immortals
Donna McCabe · Computer Music Journal · 1993
example of a largely ignored genre of computer music: computer-controlled mechanical performance of acoustic instruments. With the possible exception of the Disklavier and some isolated experiments, few composers today have taken the trouble to build robot-performed instruments. Yet, this is the only way we can bring the power of computers into the realm of true acoustic music. The idea goes back to the marvelous old nickelodeon contraptions of the days before phonographs ruined our ears. These one-man bands would bow violins with revolving stone wheels, while mechanical fingers stopped the strings and various pulleys and levers kicked, hit, strummed, pounded, and shook percussion instruments and pianos. Perhaps the only contemporary composer to really take mechanical instruments seriously is Conlon Nancarrow with his terrific player piano pieces. Trimpin, a composer and inventor of unique mechanized musical instruments, also comes to mind. It is hoped (by me) that conservatories will realize that the twentieth century is almost over, and it is time to start requiring students to write at least one computer-controlled robot ensemble work before being allowed to graduate. The Misfortune of the Immortals