The article explores the innovative concept of interactive music, where both creators and listeners can actively shape the structure and sound of a musical piece in real-time. Traditionally, music is passively consumed, but interactivity introduces a new dimension, allowing for creative participation and raising questions about authorship and the listener's role. The project "Sound Permutation: A Real-Time Interactive Musical Experiment" aims to create a unique audio-visual experience by enabling listeners to choose performers for a chamber music piece in semi-real-time. Two well-known compositions, Edward Elgar's "Salut d’Amour" and Camille Saint-Saëns' "Le Cygne," were recorded by three cellists and three pianists in all possible combinations. This setup allows listeners to seamlessly switch between performers' parts, offering a novel musical experience that highlights the impact of individual musicians on the perception of the piece.
The project focuses on chamber music, particularly the piano-cello duet, and utilizes advanced recording technology to ensure high-quality audio and video. The interactive system, developed using JavaScript allows for smooth video streaming and performer switching. The user interface is designed to be intuitive, featuring options for selecting performers and camera views. The system's optimization ensures minimal disruption during transitions, providing a cohesive musical experience. This project represents a significant step towards making interactive music more accessible, showcasing the potential of technology in shaping new forms of artistic engagement and participation.
