Parameter controlled remote performance (PCRP): Playing together despite high delay

Abstract

PCRP (Parameter Controlled Remote Performance) is a new method to play music together on the Internet despite high delay. In many musical forms, the score of the piece is known beforehand. PCRP measures the deviations of the players from the given score and describes them as parameters. The parameters, which are transmitted instead of the audio data itself, are used on the opposite side of the network to control the synthesis of the score. We implemented a PCRP system for piano duo. The system analyzes and transmits tempo, dynamics, and articulation parameters to assure synchronization of the players and give the users control over tempo, dynamics, and articulation. An evaluation of the system was performed with pianists. The evaluation showed that musical interaction with PCRP is possible at higher latencies than related approaches.