Puru Samal
Audio arts and acoustics
An Algorithmic Approach to Indian Classical Music
Project statement
Indian classical music makes extensive use of quartertones and microtones, usually referred to as ‘Shruti', and is not represented by Western semitones. Performances are usually supported by a tanpura, which has a rich harmonic structure leading to the perception of several shrutis for which there are no corresponding tuned strings.
This project attempts to represent shrutis, an algorithmic computer music system, by extracting relevant features from a tanpura signal. An acoustical analysis of the tanpura signal will be conducted to identify harmonic partials that correlate well with these shrutis. Sound synthesis algorithms will be developed to drive an algorithmic composition using these harmonic partials.
About the Artists
Puru is a sound designer, music technologist and an aspiring audio programmer based in Chicago.
“Puru is an inspiring student and inventor who brings music and audio technology together. In his current project “An Algorithmic Approach to Indian Classical Music” he analyzes and synthesizes complex musical forms and creates tension between traditional and contemporary electronic music. I had the honor of working with Puru for the past two years in several classes and projects. He has designed and developed multiple software and hardware-based novel musical instruments in my classes and synthesized sounds that are timeless. I am honored to nominate him to share his ideas and passion on the music of the future at Hokin Honors 2022.”
-Dr. Visda Goudarzi, Assistant Professor in Audio Arts and Acoustics
“Purusottam Samal is a truly exceptional student, and not only because he consistently excels in his classes. Through his passion, curiosity, excellent humor, and ability to connect, he also reliably elevates the learning experience for those around him. In doing so, he contributes to a classroom environment that allows students at a variety of levels to develop and grow, and this is why I have so thoroughly enjoyed the pleasure of teaching him. Puru is a programmer of well-designed and excellent-sounding digital audio effects, as well as of innovative interactive audio streaming applications. His work in both fields pays testimony to the originality of his vision for music technology, and I have no doubt that we will continue to hear about it after he graduates.“
— Dr. Florian Hollerweger, Assistant Professor in Audio Arts and Acoustics