ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the theoretical framework for understanding the digital score. The argument starts by proposing two fundamental signatures:
The core purpose of a digital score is a technically mediated communication interface between the creativity of a composer, the creativity of a performer and the creative mind of the listener
The core function of this communications interface is to represent the ideas that happen inside the mind of the composer, using digital technology in such a way that these ideas are capable of being translated into sound during performance through the technique and creative interpretation of a performer (human or machine)
The second section presents six basic features of the digital score and highlights how they affect the nature of musicianship, using insights gained from the interviews and practice-based research for this rbook. The purpose of this is to expose the multiplicity of experience that has been explored by my contributors and to highlight the importance of creativity, connections and relationships when considering the nature of digital scores.