Numbers that go astray
Everyone knows the Fibonacci sequence (1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34,55,89,144,...). Each number is the sum of the previous two numbers. If we want to use ordinary musical notes to sound them out, we are faced with the problem that the size of the numbers becomes unmanageable almost immediately. In the electronic instruments notes are indicated with a number from 0 to 127, which is already beyond the 12th fibonacci number.
Modulo
This series of numbers becomes more useful if we reduce them to usable pitches via modulo arithmetic. A modulo interval can, for example, correspond to available notes on an instrument or to sound frequencies. All intervals appear to produce repetitive patterns. Smaller intervals usually have shorter repetitions and lie (too?) easily in the ear.
For those not familiar with modulo arithmetic: the clock is a nice example of a modulo-12 calculation. The hours keep adding up, but the clock starts counting again from 12
Simulation
I have programmed a simulation in Max/Msp in which the numbers from the fibonacci sequence can be listened to as (midi) notes thanks to a modulo interval M which can be altered. The programme works with starting notes A and B.
Video
Watch and listen to the video. In it, I also make use of presets (rectangle with blue bullets) which I saved in the process of my exploration
laatste update: 2021.12.12
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