What is instrumentality in new digital msuical devices ? A contribution from cognitive linguistics and psychology

Abstract: As far as music is concerned, instruments have always been part of a cultural ?landscape? (on technical, expressive and symbolic levels). The present contribution explores the changes brought about by the shift that occurred during the 20th century, from mechanical to digital instruments (also named ?virtual instruments?). First and foremost, a short recall of some historical steps of the technological developments that have renewed our relationship to sound, music, and instruments will be presented. Second, an analysis of different discourses and terminologies presently used in the domains of musicology and computer music will account for the evolution of the notion of instrumentality.