Introducing L20rk: the Linux Laptop Orchestra  Using Linux and a
few extra parts, the Linux Laptop Orchestra from Virginia Tech
is music to our ears, in more ways than one. The Composer's
Corner  See the Resources for this article for some links to
music performed by various laptop orchestras. It doesn't take
long to realize that just about any style of music can be
written for and performed by a laptop group, although Ico
advised me that if the composer wants a screaming lead-guitar
solo over a manic heavy-metal bass and drum pattern, that
composer would be better off with a rock band than a laptop
orchestra. Yes, a laptop ensemble is extremely flexible, but
composers still must consider whether it is the appropriate
vehicle for their music.  Ico Bukvic's “Citadel” is an excellent
example of a piece written specifically for the L2Ork group. It
is a beautiful work, and while listening to it, I wondered if it
could be played by a traditional group. I concluded that it
could be arranged for such a group but tha