Monday, April 30, 2007

Computerized musicians

This article was really interesting to me. Christopher Raphael of Indiana University has created a computer program that analyzes waveforms emitted by musical instruments, identifies the notes, and can then play back harmonies to accompany it in real time.
At a recent demonstration, Raphael started playing an oboe quartet by Mozart, and 3 computer assistants chimed in with their own instruments. They matched his pace, even if he slowed down or sped up.
More sophisticated software being developed at Columbia University is learning to interpret polyphonic (multiple musicians) sound in real-time.
It also mentions software called AutoTune which is already on the market. Apparently it corrects "out of tune" vocals in real-time, and certain popstars are rumored to use it for their CD recordings and concerts.
The full story is here:
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070430-the-riaas-worst-nightmare-computers-that-understand-music.html

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