This solution worked very well the computer recognized the close/open fist gesture faultlessly and there was an audible increase in volume when the conductor raised her arm. Conversations with the conductor after the concert in Harpa, however, revealed that she was not fully confident not knowing how much she had increased the volume. Especially uncomfortable was to have no knowledge of how much headroom was left, ie. whether she could increase the volume even further. Let’s take a look at the interface:
The first Volume selector shows the volume value at zero points, the next one shows volume value at half point, 0.5 and the last one shows volume value at its maximum point 1.0.
I suggested placing this visual information on the stand next to the score in the form of iPad or iPhone. The conductor replied after some thoughts that although sounding like a good idea it might be too distracting for her since she had to fully concentrate conducting the score.
Later during the Nordic Tour, we found out that it was most important to locate the conductor at the exact right spot on stage, where she could hear the electronics and the ensemble equally clear. I will discuss that issue in my next blog.
Unfortunately, I have not yet solved the problem of having the conductor do few things in preparation for beginning the piece. Still, she has to do the following
- Turn the sensor on
- Turn the OSC network on
- When the network is turned on by some reason Ableton Live starts playing. Therefore the conductor has to press 5th button 4 times to move the play head back to the beginning and stop playing.
- The conductor has to press the 3rd button once to stop the rewind function of button five.
This pre-performance preparation we managed to do before the conductor entered the stage. Although totally unnoticeable for performers and audience and never failing, a bit too much stress and hassle.
Has to be simplified!
One thought on “Closer look at the Score”