Coretet: A 21st Century Virtual Reality Musical Instrument for Solo and Networked Ensemble Performance

Abstract

Coretet is a virtual reality instrument that explores the translation of performance gesture and mechanic from traditional bowed string instruments into an inherently non-physical implementation. Built using the Unreal Engine 4 and Pure Data, Coretet offers musicians a flexible and articulate musical instrument to play as well as a networked performance environment capable of supporting and presenting a traditional four-member string quartet. This paper discusses the technical implementation of Coretet and explores the musical and performative possibilities through the translation of physical instrument design into virtual reality.