Chroma explores the relationship between emotions, music and color by using sound and color as generative forces for each other. Throughout the composition, images are projected onto a screen which are either generated or controlled by the music performed by live musicians. These images portray the composer’s emotional associations to the music through the use of color. Using Max/MSP/Jitter, Chroma tracks the pitch and amplitude of the live performers and uses the data to construct a visual representation of the music that is projected onto a screen behind the performers.

Chroma is an original composition by Todd Swingle for violin, cello, vibraphone and interactive electronics. It explores the relationships between sound and color and the emotions they evoke. All of the visuals on the screen are generated or manipulated by sound in some way, including by the sound of the live performers.