Beatbugs, Shapers, and Hyperscore, oh my!
May 21, 2003 4:36 AM Subscribe
Toy Symphony: A project from the MIT Media Lab, developing new instruments like the networked Beatbugs and squeezable Shapers. There's their composition software Hyperscore, free for downloading, as well as sample scores to play. This morning's Wall Street Journal (page D10, upper left corner) reports that Fisher-Price will be releasing a commercial version soon (though of Hyperscore or the instruments, it's not entirely clear... I'd like a Beatbug!).
I am disappointed - I feel like stops in two-cities is hardly a "tour."
posted by agregoli at 6:40 AM on May 21, 2003
posted by agregoli at 6:40 AM on May 21, 2003
Beatbugs are hand-held percussive instruments which allow the creation, manipulation and sharing of rhythmic motives through a simple interface. When multiple Beatbugs are connected in a network, players can share and develop rhythmic patterns to form larger scale compositions. The players themselves choose between manipulating existing motives and entering their own material, in essence creating a dynamic and collaborative music that is truly more than the sum of its parts.
I have some of these. Easy to network -- all you need is other people with rhythm -- and an interface so simple a caveman could use it. I call them drums though...
Seriously though, the Beatbugs do seem cool. :)
posted by Foosnark at 8:45 AM on May 21, 2003
I have some of these. Easy to network -- all you need is other people with rhythm -- and an interface so simple a caveman could use it. I call them drums though...
Seriously though, the Beatbugs do seem cool. :)
posted by Foosnark at 8:45 AM on May 21, 2003
This seems very cool. I have long been interested in simplifying the process of musical creation (the Western notational system is a ridiculous, inconsistent hodgepodge when you stop to think about it) and hyperscore looks like a very interesting way of doing that. I wish there was more detailed description than this available without a download (I'm at work, of course), but I guess I can wait and check it out later... thanks, meep!
posted by soyjoy at 9:36 AM on May 21, 2003
posted by soyjoy at 9:36 AM on May 21, 2003
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posted by misteraitch at 6:13 AM on May 21, 2003