Works » By Title » P » PRAESCIO-I (11:00 / 1987)

The object of the work was to explore real-time MIDI control using a PC-AT on stage which reads data from soprano saxophone via an IVL Pitchrider. During the performance, the PC computes new note data based on the saxophone notes and control tables loaded in advance. In an early version, the PC also transmitted all of the accompaniment files in real-time however the version performed tonight includes tape (PCM digital) playback. I wish to thank Bill Ripley for his tireless programming efforts. Praescio is the Latin root of prescience —to know in advance. The long-term goal of this series of works is to entirely eliminate tape thus making the computer an active, reponsive part of the performance. “PRAESCIO-I” was composed for the 1987 North American New Music Festival held in Buffalo, New York, April 29. The Canadian premiere was in Montréal as part of the 2001(-14 ) Electroacoustic music festival/conference, May 7th, 1987. BP