Show HN: A Python script that parses sheet music and plays it on a drum machine
a day ago
- #experimental music
- #electronic composition
- #music technology
- Experiments with the ER-1 drum machine's 4 VCOs led to composing a fugue and prelude.
- The ER-1, as a drum machine, lacks conventional pitch control; each VCO is fixed to a single MIDI note, requiring parameter mapping for frequencies.
- A mapping of frequencies to the ER-1's 'pitch', 'modulation speed', and 'modulation depth' parameters was developed to realize scores.
- A Python script was created to parse .musicxml files and translate them for the ER-1, producing pitches not precisely in 12TET.
- The non-standard tuning resembles historical practices from Bach's time, adding a desired effect.
- The piece was performed live with the MDBQ in November 2025.