Encyclopedia

A process by which sounds are changed or transformed. There are many manipulations available within the CwS software. Manipulations are sometimes referred to as ‘effects’.

this term refers to the linking of variables. For example, the linking of a MIDI control Interface to control parameters within the programme. OR in synthesis the linking of note velocity with…

Microphones are used to capture sounds. They detect vibrations in the air caused by sound waves and convert these into electrical signals, These electrical signals are then passed on to…

A microsound is a sound that is too short to be heard on its own. It can last up to ca. 1/10 of a second. Microsounds, when heard together, can…

a language of instruction information, designed to allow pieces of musical equipment to communicate with one another. MIDI information is information about action to be taken (for example the instruction…

A language of instruction information, designed to allow pieces of musical equipment to communicate with one another. MIDI information might be considered as similar to written notation, it is information…

A unit of time that is equivalent to 1/1000 th of a second (in the same way that 1p is 1/100th of £1). This means that there are 1000 milliseconds…

A Greek word referring to the imitation of nature or culture. Often used as a term to describe recognisibility, it is the opposite of abstract (Abstract Sounds). A mimetic sound,…

the use of traditional musical instruments alongside live electronics.

it has to do with being aware that a sound evolves in time just like aspects of language.

A multiple gesture is a complex gesture, in which a gesture’s termination normally serves as the following component’s onset, thus creating a gesture of gestures.

Listening to sounds in terms of their own sonic and musical characteristics. It is the opposite of Contextual listening. Musical Listening focuses on the nature of sounds, to their musical relationships…

A term created by Pierre Schaeffer in 1948 to describe his new music, which started from the concrete sound material, from heard sound. Schaeffer wanted people to ignore the source and cause…