Abstract
Several programming systems for computer music are based upon the data-flow family of programming paradigms. In the first part of this article, we shall introduce the general features and lexicon of data-flow programming, and review some specific instances of it with reference to computer music applications. We shall then move the discussion to Max’s very peculiar take on data-flow, and evaluate its motivation and shortcomings. Subsequently, we shall show how the bach library can support different programming styles within Max, improving the expression, the readability and the maintenance of complex algorithms. In particular, the latest version of bach has introduced bell, a small textual programming language embedded in Max and specifically designed to facilitate programming tasks related to manipulation of symbolic musical material.
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Notes
- 1.
In the usual Max terminology, actors correspond to boxes (object or message) and input and output ports correspond respectively to inlets and outlets.
- 2.
We shall talk diffusely about Max in the later chapters, and only introduce it as an example here for readers already familiar with it.
- 3.
If an actor has multiple output ports, it can be divided into as many actors as outputs, each taking the same inputs and having only one output.
- 4.
- 5.
bach.roll and bach.score differ in that the former represents time proportionally, whereas the latter implements a traditional representation of time, with tempi, metri, measures and relative temporal units such as quarter notes, tuplets and so on.
- 6.
The website of bach showcases some interesting works that have been developed with the library, mostly by people unrelated to its developers.
- 7.
The dada library contains interactive two-dimensional interfaces for real-time symbolic generation and dataset exploration, embracing a graphic, ludic, explorative approach to music composition.
- 8.
Slots are containers of arbitrary data attached to notes and chords.
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Agostini, A., Ghisi, D., Giavitto, JL. (2021). Programming in Style with bach. In: Kronland-Martinet, R., Ystad, S., Aramaki, M. (eds) Perception, Representations, Image, Sound, Music. CMMR 2019. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 12631. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-70210-6_18
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