Abstract:
his paper proposes discussions for the (re)negotiation
of responsibilities in performances that involve a collaboration between human and computer agents. Most of
current research is human-hierarchical, leaving the machine the role of a mere tool at performer’s service. In
this paper a more balanced distribution of responsibilities
between the two agent is proposed. Chimney, a software
developed by one of the authors, is proposed as a design
probe to reflect on this topic. Chimney allows the composer to control only the musical material of a piece,
leaving its evolution to an algorithmic agent whose decisions are unpredictable. This redistribution of responsibilities results in a compositional shift that causes the
roles of the composer / performer to overlap. The implications for the experience of the performer operating
Chimney are also discussed.