I always get frustrated when people suggest using different software
as a response to a question, but I can't help thinking you should try
Cecilia. It lets you draw such curves graphically (breakpoints and
whatnot), so you could try out a number of them in no time at all.

otherwise, what about trying the sinusoid again (or maybe a triangle
wave) but have the frequency vary a little bit, maybe slowing down
around the peak amplitude to stretch out the climax?

On 3/1/06, Michael Mossey <mpm@alumni.caltech.edu> wrote:
> This is a question about computer-assisted composition.
>
> I'm playing with expressive percussion shapes... i.e., beating on a drum
> in a regular rhythm, and computing a phrase shape with a beginning and
> middle and end. Perhaps starting quiet, getting loud, then quiet again.
> Perhaps starting slow tempo, then speeding up, then slowing down.
>
> For example, consider a soft-loud-soft shape. I programmed the amplitudes
> as a sinusoidal curve moving from trough to trough. (The curve expressing
> the amplitude in db) So how did this sound, subjectively? It wasn't
> completely satisfying.. the very rounded top came sounding like the shape
> had gotten a bit static during the middle part.
>
> Then I programmed a simple straight line upwards to the middle of the
> phrase, and a straight line down. (again straight on a logarithmic scale).
> Sounded a little more compelling. Then I modified it to peak such that the
> first half length and second half were in the golden ratio. Pretty nice.
>
> Still a little oversimplified sounding since the crescendo and sudden
> switch to descrescendo were obvious.
>
> Anyone have ideas for other curves?
>
> Mike
>
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