ixi lang: a constraint system for live coding

Abstract

This paper explores the creation of constraints in digital musical systems as exemplified and implemented in the ixi lang live coding system. Constraints are here seen as limitations that enable the musician to encapsulate a specific search space (Boden 1990) of musical gestures, proscribing complexity in favor of simple set of rules that can be engaged with creatively. The reason for such constraints are twofold: to save time as musical performance is typically a real-time process and to ease the cognitive load of the performer. The presentation will present the ixi lang and the specific design rationale behind this system, as well as other constraint computer music systems.