| These simple mappings illustrate a wide variety of musical textures that can be created. There are many other possibilities. For example the dynamics have been held constant. One modification might be to map one line through the Mandelbrot set into dynamics while the other is mapped into pitch. This can be done with a simple modification of the programs shown.
More interesting mappings can be imagined when values from the set are mapped into sophisticated instrument designs. For example values could be mapped into the index parameters of an FM instrument. Perhaps several lines could control filter coefficients. The options are limited only by the ingenuity of the composer.
While the idea of mapping numeric data into parameters controlling a sound generator is a simple one, it is powerful. It can be used in myriad ways in the creation of a music composition. It can also be used as an effective way to explore numeric data whether generated from a mathematical model or sampled from measurements of natural phenomena. In sonifying number, for aesthetic or scientific purposes, we as listeners can find pattern, understanding and perhaps meaning. |
