nil

for guitar and interactive music system

photo by Raquel Fernandes

by V.J. Manzo

2010
vjmanzo.com/cv
Performance Note
nil is a composition for solo classical guitar and interactive music system. In this piece, the opening notes of
the guitar performance are sampled by the computer and placed into a small buffer. From within the buffer,
the audio sample is trimmed to remove any silence around the file. The audio sample is then manipulated
to generate all of the computer sounds in the piece.

As the performer continues to perform from a notated score, the computer begins manipulating qualities
of the audio sample according to a score that it follows. The computer also processes the live input of
the performer in a number of ways. All of the computer processing and sound generation for nil occurs
in real-time and is driven by the performance of the guitarist.

V.J. Manzo
10-01-10
Duration: 5' 50"

About the Composer

V.J. Manzo is a composer and guitarist with research interests in theory and composition, artificial
intelligence, interactive music systems, and music learning. He is Director of Music Technology at Montclair
State University (2007) where he teaches courses in traditional and electronic music and composition.

His interactive music systems and other software systems/algorithms are freely available for download from
his website www.vjmanzo.com/cv.

screenshot of nil software

 nil
for guitar and interactive music system
2010 clear blue media | ASCAP
V.J. Manzo

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