The American virtuoso's affinity for the music of today is no secret. Her latest companionship is an astonishing collaboration with composer David Lang, one of the leading figures of minimalist music.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere. Whether it's used to treat coronaviruses or to combat tax evasion, AI is being used in all sectors, and music is no exception. The design of artificial neural networks capable of simulating musical intelligence - of interpreting works or producing scores - is of growing interest to composers and performers. While many artists are skeptical, others see AI as a playground for experimentation rather than a source of concern. Such is the case of Hilary Hahn, who also collaborates with many composers: Mark-Anthony Turnage, Franghiz Ali-Zadeh, Gillian Whitehead and David Lang.

David Lang's new piece, dedicated to the violinist, is called "Hors du corps". The composer wrote it using notes generated by an artificial intelligence program. His idea: to write a piece in which he and the computer would be equal in terms of composition. Or at least as equal as a human being with his character and a software program that coldly produces calculations can be! The score therefore contains an equal number of notes provided by the musician and the machine, alternating between each other to create a real impression of unity.

This compositional work is part of a larger research project hosted by the Colburn music School in Los Angeles and entitled " DeepMusic.ai ", of which Hilary Hahn is co-founder. The project brings together researchers, composers and performers, and has set itself the ambitious goal of bridging the gap that currently exists between art and artificial intelligence technology, in an attempt to find a common language. What a program! 

Suzanne Gervais