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What is Csound?
A quick web search for an answer to this question reveals many descriptions. Although most are accurate, none i am satisfied enough to just direct you there. So here is my stab at it:
At its core, Csound is a cross-platform application to process, synthesize, and manipulate digital audio. The algorithms to perform these processes are specified in a kind of scripting language modelled on patch-cord analog synthesizers. However, unlike hardware synthesizers, Csound's specified "patches" are not limited to any maximum number of modules, patch cords, or mixer channels.
Csound allows these "patches" [called "instruments" in Csound, but do not let the terminology limit your thinking!] to be controlled in many different ways:
[+] triggering them from sequence/score/real-time performance/etc
[a computer "orchestra"]
[+] having them "always-on" and tweaking controlling parameters
[an effects processor]
[+] having instruments spawn and control other instruments
[algorithmic composition]
The "scripting language" to specify instruments is fairly straight-forward and is not something
to fear. However, there are many graphic-based applications that hide much of the text-based
editing for you. In addition, current developments are making it possible for
Csound to become plug-ins for sequencing and audio editing applications.
For more information on Csound, go to the csounds.com home page
or see my argument for why csound
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