Revisit: Schillinger's Solution, 1931

"I propose to develop, with the aid of the theremin, projects for various machines for the automatic composition of music. L.S. Theremin considers such machines entirely feasible.... Under such conditions, musical works can be broadcast over the radio at the same time that they are being composed by the machine. The final aim of this work is to construct a synthetic machine capable of works of a higher order and with a greater degree of perfection than is accessible to living composers. The machine will be given only a general physico-mathematical idea, and the execution will proceed automatically." 'The Ether Wave Salon', pg. 134-135, "Theremin: Ether, Music, and Espionage" - Glinsky, 2000. (Image also from Glinsky, 2000)

Schillinger proposes a device capable of composing music, these machines will produce beat, rhythm, tone, pitch, etc. on their own (with the help of an operator, "music engineer"). He saw the work of Theremin as the beginning of the "...second half of the history of music." Schillinger desired a shift from traditional towards a new age of electronic instruments, these ideas, most likely, stemmed from his believe that, "...in an age of technology, art forms should be engineered and executed with the same scientific rigor and formulas as the building of bridges or skyscrapers -- taking advantage of the latest scientific tools." pg. 131, Glinsky, 2000.

Continuing with this, I propose a space which will record vibrations (from soil movements, traffic, erosion, decay, etc.) by translating sensor data into movement. This data will guide/determine the markings/etchings left on a coated transparent surface. As the device continues to record, the coating will be further etched away; this will allow light to be projected through. These 'lines of light' will produce a pattern/rhythm that can be 'played' while the device etches (using similiar technology to the optical theremin). The result is a continually changing + sound creating drawing surface. The sounds could potentially be given back to the surrounding environment; audible or as vibrations.

The etching is adapted from Balint Bolygo technique using carbon coated glass which is etched with pendulum guided point. Here is an example of his work, 'Lissajous Light Drawings':