Critical Analysis

Overall, "Spring Flowing" has achieved my original intention of combining water with digital musical instruments, and has received many audiences' feedback on the musicality of the work. During the production process, various effectors were effectively used to capture data on water flow changes, and the data was appropriately converted to map suitable sound modulation parameters. Additionally, the use of Markov chains to control pitch generation has been accomplished, achieving a combination of sound elements with traditional music. 

However, in actual use and performance, I found that the rhythm of the music produced was difficult to control, and due to the inherent duration of some water sound samples, using them as timbres can lead to sudden interruptions in sound due to insufficient duration, resulting in a noticeable difference in auditory perception. The FSR sensor requires human touch to obtain data, which also means that the data obtained will be significantly affected by human pressure, thereby diminishing the pressure between the water and the cup wall.

At the same time, it is worth noting that the damage of water to electronic equipment is almost fatal, so special attention should be paid to the waterproofing of electronic equipment such as docking heads and some sensors in the production of the whole musical instrument.

In future enhancements, I will continue to focus on the proper integration of background sounds and melody sounds, with a key emphasis on how to translate real-world sound effects into musical instrument timbre triggers in a way that is less affected by their inherent durations, making the transition more natural and seamless. Additionally, I will pay closer attention to the audience's acceptance and understanding of music compositions created from sound samples, ensuring that the final musical works resonate with them and convey the intended emotions and artistic vision.

If you have any ideas and comments on this work, welcome to communicate with me through the contact information on the Home page.

By Xinyue Xu