OpenMusic Reference
orbites
orbites
(Zn module) -- returns a list of set classes of cardinality k for an n -tone octave.
Syntax
orbites n k howmany
Inputs
name | data type(s) | comments |
---|---|---|
n | an integer | must be more than 2; defaults to 12 |
k | a positive integer | defaults to 6 |
howmany | a positive integer | allows you to limit the number of answers returned |
Output
output | data type(s) | comments |
---|---|---|
first | a tree representing a list of set classes |
Description
orbites is so named because its output can be plugged into an N-cercle factory and displayed as a series of points on the ‘orbit’ of a circle. An “orbit” is a set class represented graphically on a circle.
The first input, n , sets the number of equal subdivisions of the octave for the calculation. If you’re working in traditional 12-tone space, the default setting of 12 is what you want. If you’re not, set it here, and be sure to pass the same value to card and N-cercle if you’re using them.
The second input, k , sets cardinality of the resulting sets.
The third input, howmany , sets the number of sets returned. If you want all the possible sets for a given cardinality, use the card function to find this number and pass its output to this input. Be sure to set the n input of both functions to the same value if you’re not using the default 12-tone space.
The output is a list of lists of length k . These can be plugged right into the last input of an N-cercle object for visualization.
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While orbites outputs unique set classes, they are not necessarily in their prime form.
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