ABSTRACT
The discussion of ‘sound’ in the preceding chapters became distinctly musical. The reverse will apply in this chapter, which will be concerned mainly with the aspects of ‘music’ that are relevant to technology-based music-making in the twenty-fi rst century. This will involve ignoring or forgetting many musical ‘givens’. Howard Burrell’s comment serves as a reminder that, however much we may talk about sound, and to whatever extent we may use digital technologies, there always exists a vast body of music created in another way and at another time. This body of work casts a large shadow. A knowledge and understanding of past music will always benefi t any musician, including a digital musician. Burrell’s remark should be held as a warning to anyone who thinks that digital music renders all past endeavour obsolete and somehow negates the concept of music as it has been known. It will always have something to teach us.
