Author: Marta Pienkosz

Laurie Spiegel’s article is a captivating exploration of the intersection between information theory and music composition. I appreciate how she breaks down the concept of entropy, using it as a lens to analyze the limitations of a simple melodic pattern and the power of introducing controlled noise.

It’s fascinating to consider how entropy, anticipation, and noise play crucial roles in shaping our musical experiences. This brought to mind the crafted buildup of climaxes, which, despite their intentional, predictable nature, manage to surprise us by deviating from the established pattern. It’s a delicate orchestration of tension and release, inviting nuanced anticipation. It contrasts with the randomness introduced by noise, aligning more with a controlled entropy.

I wonder if information theory has gained widespread use among composers working with computers, and if not, why that might be the case.

I’m particularly drawn to the part where the author talks about the “pluriversal capacity of live coding” to resist any kind of strict classification or explanation. I find creative coding to be this vast and ever-changing realm that keeps reinventing itself with new software and open tools. Defining it becomes a puzzle because it doesn’t have a fixed identity or purpose – it can be everything one wants it to be. The absence of a set functionality is what makes it so thrilling.

The concept of liveliness in live coding strongly resonates with me. There’s a captivating communal nature to it as individuals interact with each other in real-time through code, and this dynamic connection extends beyond the online realm, manifesting in physical spaces. It’s truly fascinating to witness this transition from the virtual to the tangible world.

While coding communities, in general, are bustling and lively, the interaction is often relegated to users with nicknames utilizing servers and Discord channels. The physical aspect seems to be missing, and there’s a prevalent notion of coding in isolation. The idea of people coming together and meeting face-to-face adds another layer to the concepts of authorship and visibility. Live Coding thus challenges the conventional narrative of coding as an inherently solitary and digital pursuit.