| The Concerto for Computer and Orchestra combines the models of the Classical Concerto for soloist and symphony orchestra, in three movements (Energico, Scherzo and Finale) with the rhetoric of the Baroque Concerto, performing the role of the ripieno with a computer. The orchestra is a full symphony orchestra with double woodwinds, standard brass section and an unusually large section of percussion with 31 different kinds of instruments, performed by 5 musicians.; The electronic sounds were generated by direct digital synthesis using the program CSound or by digital transformation of instrumental samples. The electronic sounds are stored in the hard disk of the computer soloist in 26 separate short files. To allow perfect synchronization with the orchestra, the files are triggered at the appropriate moments, indicated on the score, using programs such as Digital Performer or Max that are operated by a musician playing the role of soloist.; Some electronic sounds are abstract, with spectra that evolve in time. Others, generated by synthesis emulation or obtained by modification of recorded samples, are related to Afro-Brazilian folk instruments, mostly the "berimbau", but also the "cuica", "caxixi" and "agogo".; In the cadenza section of the last movement, musicians of the orchestra interact with the computer performing parts of controlled improvisation. |
