Residual Orchestras: Notes On Low Profile, Automated Sound Instruments

The paper deals with strategies and techniques for building and using “residual orchestras”, that is, ensembles of low cost music instruments that can be controlled by the computer. First, the notion of “residual” is discussed as a keyword for the project. Then, the physical computing scenario is introduced, as it is the main reference for all the discussed projects. The inspiring“punk”philosophy is presented,and basic values and principles for design and implementation are discussed, in particular “refabrication”, softening, flexibility. A design/ production pipeline is presented that takes into account the three different layers in residual orchestras: physical, physical computing, computation. Finally, some projects that have been realized are shortly discussed.