"The Byte Book of Computer Music"
Edited by Christopher P. Morgan
Copyright 1979
ISBN: 0-931718-11-2

Review, "Leonardo," Vol. 17, No. 1 (1984), pg. 62
Reviewed by S. Wilson


The book is a collection of articles about music that appeared in BYTE Magazine 
during the pioneering years of microcomputers (1977-78) plus some added essays.  
It include articles about construction of simple computer-based hardware to 
generate music, software to control music generating computers, and unusual 
music-related projects that involve computers such as an interface to run a 
pneumatic piano.  There are ample illustrations including photographs of the 
finished projects, electronic schematic diagrams, and program listings.

One weakness of the book is the lack of a good orientation for beginners.  Many 
of the articles assume significant background in electronics and programming.  
Most of the software articles deal with assembly language programming.  Also 
many of the articles are dated.  It fails to cover many of the new technologies 
available for the independent experimenter.

The book also has its strengths.  For the experimenter with experience there 
are several hands-on, detailed descriptions of real devices that can be built.  
Because the authors had to work with limited technologies, their articles 
explain how to accomplish much with little support.  The book captures the 
wonderful spirit of exploration that characterized those halcyon early days of 
microcomputers.

The book is a historical gem illustrating work that has the intensity of both 
science and art.  Some of the projects discussed, such as adapting electronic 
organ chips for home projects, using a computer to run a pipe organ, and 
converting geological terrain data into music will appeal to the artist 
readers.  The concrete advanced hardware and software projects will appeal to 
technically sophisticated readers.  The book is not a primer.