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Encyclopedia > Algorithmic composition

Algorithmic composition is the technique of using algorithms to create music. Image File history File links Please see the file description page for further information. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into algorithmic music. ... Flowcharts are often used to represent algorithms. ... Allegory of Music on the Opéra Garnier Music is an art form that involves organized sounds and silence. ...


Algorithms (or, at the very least, formal sets of rules) have been used to compose music for centuries; the procedures used to plot voice-leading in Western counterpoint, for example, can often be reduced to algorithmic determinacy. The term is usually reserved, however, for the use of formal procedures to make music without human intervention, either through the introduction of chance procedures or the use of computers. There is a radical distinction (both in terms of philosophy and in the heard result) between composers who use indeterminate (e.g. stochastic) procedures to compose music and those who use routines which produce deterministic results given a fixed input into the algorithm. In music, counterpoint is a texture involving the simultaneous sounding of separate melodies or lines against each other, as in polyphony. ... Chance can be used in any of the following contexts: Probability Luck Randomness See also the Ancient Greek concept of Chance Chance, a 1913 novel by Joseph Conrad. ... The tower of a personal computer. ... A composer is a person who writes music. ... Stochastic, from the Greek stochos or goal, means of, relating to, or characterized by conjecture; conjectural; random. ...


Many algorithms that have no immediate musical relevance are used by composers as creative inspiration for their music. Algorithms such as fractals, L-systems, statistical models, and even arbitrary data (e.g. census figures, GIS coordinates, or magnetic field measurements) are fair game for musical interpretation. The success or failure of these procedures as sources of "good" music largely depends on the mapping system employed by the composer to translate the non-musical information into a musical data stream. A fractal is a geometric object which can be divided into parts, each of which is similar to the original object. ... See L-system for information on Lindenmayer systems. ... Template:Otherusescccc A graph of a bell curve in a normal distribution showing statistics used in educational assessment, comparing various grading methods. ... In general, data consist of propositions that reflect reality. ... 1870 US Census for New York City A census is the process of obtaining information about every member of a population (not necessarily a human population). ... A geographic information system (GIS), or more commonly referred to as a geospatial information system or Geographic Information Science, is a system for capturing, storing, analyzing and managing data and associated attributes which are spatially referenced to the earth. ... Current (I) flowing through a wire produces a magnetic field () around the wire. ... The word mapping has several senses: In mathematics and related technical fields, it is some kind of function: see map (mathematics). ...

Contents

Models for algorithmic composition

There is no universal method to sort different compositional algorithms into categories. One way to do this is to look at the way algorithm takes part in the compositional process. The results of the process can then be divided into 1) music composed by computer and 2) music composed with the aid of computer. Music may be considered composed by computer when the algorithm is able to make choices of its own during the creation process.


Another way to sort compositional algorithms is to examine the results of their compositional processes. Algorithms can either 1) provide notational information (sheet music) for other instruments or 2) provide independent way of sound synthesis (playing the composition by itself). There are also algorithms creating both notational data and sound synthesis. Sheet music is written representation of music. ... The term synthesiser is also used to mean frequency synthesiser, an electronic system found in communications. ...


However, the most common way to categorise compositional algorithms is by their structure and the way of processing musical data. One of the most detailed division consists of six partly overlapping models:

  • mathematical models
  • knowledge-based systems
  • grammars
  • evolutionary methods
  • systems which learn
  • hybrid systems

Mathematical models

Mathematical models are based on mathematical equations and random events. The most common way to create compositions through mathematics is stochastic processes. In stochastic models a piece of music is composed as a result of non-deterministic methods. The compositional process is only partially controlled by the composer by weighting the possibilities of random events. One good example of stochastic algorithms is Markov chains. Stochastic algorithms are often used together with other algorithms in various decision-making processes. This article is about equations in mathematics. ... In the mathematics of probability, a stochastic process can be thought of as a random function. ... The term deterministic may refer to: the more general notion of determinism from philosophy, see determinism a type of algorithm as discussed in computer science, see deterministic algorithm scientific determinism as used by Karl Popper and Stephen Hawking deterministic system in mathematics deterministic system in philosophy deterministic finite state machine... In mathematics, a (discrete-time) Markov chain is a discrete-time stochastic process with the Markov property. ...


Music has also been composed through natural phenomena. These chaotic models create compositions from the harmonic and inharmonic phenomena of nature. For example, since 1970's fractals have been studied also as models for algorithmic composition. A fractal is a geometric object which can be divided into parts, each of which is similar to the original object. ...


Knowledge-based systems

One way to create compositions is to isolate the aesthetic code of a certain musical genre and use this code to create new similar compositions. Knowledge-based systems are based on this idea of pre-made set of arguments that can be used to compose new works of same style or genre. Usually this is accomplished by a set of tests or rules needing to be fulfilled for the composition to be complete.


Grammars

Music can also be examined as a language with a distinctive grammar set. Compositions are created by first constructing a musical grammar, which is then used to create comprehensible musical pieces. Grammars often include rules for macro-level composing, for instance harmonies and rhythm, rather than single notes. Grammar is the study of rules governing the use of language. ... This article is about musical harmony. ... For the popular Tamil film, see Rhythm (film) Rhythm (Greek = flow, or in Modern Greek, style) is the variation of the length and accentuation of a series of sounds or other events. ...


Evolutionary methods

Evolutionary methods of composing music are based on genetic algorithms. The composition is being built by the means of evolutionary process. Through mutation and natural selection, different solutions evolve towards a suitable musical piece. Iterative action of the algorithm cuts out bad solutions and creates new ones from those surviving the process. The results of the process are supervised by the critic, a vital part of the algorithm controlling the quality of created compositions. Evolutionary music is the audio counterpart to Evolutionary art, whereby music is created using an evolutionary algorithm. ... A genetic algorithm (GA) is an algorithm used to find approximate solutions to difficult-to-solve problems through application of the principles of evolutionary biology to computer science. ... This article is about biological evolution. ... It has been suggested that mutant be merged into this article or section. ... The Galápagos Islands hold 13 species of finches that are closely related and differ most markedly in the shape of their beaks. ...


Systems which learn

Learning systems are programs that have no given knowledge of the genre of music they are working with. Instead, they collect the learning material by themselves from the example material supplied by the user or programmer. The material is then processed into a piece of music similar to the example material. This method of algorithmic composition is strongly linked to such studies as cognitive science and study of neural networks. Cognitive science is usually defined as the scientific study either of mind or of intelligence (e. ... A neural network is an interconnected group of neurons. ...


Hybrid systems

Programs based on a single algorithmic model rarely succeed in creating aesthetically satisfying results. For that reason algorithms of different type are often used together to combine the strengths and diminish the weaknesses of these algorithms. Creating hybrid systems for music composition has opened up the field of algorithmic composition and created also many brand new ways to construct compositions algorithmically. The only major problem with hybrid systems is their growing complexity and the need of resources to combine and test these algorithms.


Works and applications

Algorithmic techniques have also been employed in a number of systems intended for direct musical performance, with many using algorithmic techniques to generate infinitely-variable improvisations on a predetermined theme. An early example was Lucasfilm Games' 1982 computer game Ballblazer, where the computer improvised on a basic jazz theme composed by the game's musical director. A more advanced implementation of this is present in the music subsystem of Microsoft's Xbox games console - the game plays variations on a human composer's theme, but varies its improvisations based on real-time events in the game (so, for example, the music sounds more staccato and dramatic during fight scenes, but is gentler and more mellow afterward). The effect has been seen in many video-games since the Nintendo 64, the first system with a large enough memory and fast enough ROM retrieval methods to make such a change in the flow and sound of the music possible. One of the first to adopt such sound was The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time where approaching important areas raised the volume and pitch of the sound. Another games of note is Fable on the Xbox for similar uses of sound. Similar systems were also used in games like Command & Conquer: Generals, Splinter Cell and Freedom Fighters. Philosophically, improvisation often focuses on bringing ones personal awareness into the moment, and on developing a profound understanding for the action one is doing. ... Official LucasArts logo LucasArts Entertainment Company (sometimes shortened to LEC), is a video game developer and publisher. ... 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Screenshot Ballblazer on the Atari 5200 Ballblazer is a 1985 computer game created by Lucasfilm Games (later LucasArts Entertainment). ... Microsoft is one of few companies engaging itself in the console wars Where they are up against sony, nintendo, and of course sharps new console which may cause a threat. ... Xbox is a sixth generation era video game console produced by Microsoft Corporation. ... Nintendo 64 ) is Nintendos third home video game console for the international market. ... The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was a video game released in 1998, and the first Zelda game for the Nintendo 64. ... An image from the original Splinter Cell Splinter Cell is a series of video games endorsed by American author Tom Clancy. ... The Contras were often referred to as Freedom Fighters by US President Ronald Reagan. ...


Similar generative music systems have caught the attention of noted composers. Brian Eno has produced a number of works for the SSEYO's Koan generative music system, which produces ambient variations for web-pages, mobile devices, and for standalone performance. The copyright status of these "generative" works is unclear, although the original "composition" is supplied by the composer and the "performance" is largely the result of the user's computer's own algorithms. However, MusiGenesis (see external link below), an algorithmic composition program based on Richard Dawkins' The Blind Watchmaker program, makes no ownership claims on music created by the program. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into algorithmic music. ... Brian Peter George St. ... Ambient music is a loosely defined musical genre that incorporates elements of a number of different styles - including jazz, electronic music, new age, rock and roll, modern classical music, reggae, traditional, world and even noise. ... Copyright symbol Copyright is a set of exclusive rights regulating the use of a particular expression of an idea or information. ... Cover illustration by the zoologist Desmond Morris The Blind Watchmaker is a 1986 book by Richard Dawkins in which he presents an explanation of, and argument for, the theory of evolution by means of natural selection. ...


Composers known for their use of algorithmic procedures:

Autechre are an English electronic music group. ... Two people go by the name of Rob Brown Rob Brown (music), member of the band, Autechre. ... John Cage For the character of John Cage from the TV show Ally McBeal see: John Cage (Character). ... David Cope is an author, composer, and professor at UC Santa Cruz. ... Charles Dodge (b. ... Brian Peter George St. ... Karlheinz Essl (born August 15, 1960 in Vienna) is an Austrian composer, performer and improviser. ... USA composer Lejaren Hiller (February 23, 1924, New York City - January 26, 1994, Buffalo, New York) founded the University of Illinois Experimental Music Studio in the late 1950s and collaborated on the first significant computer music composition, 1957s Illiac Suite, with Leonard Issacson. ... Gottfried Michael Koenig (born 1926 in Magdeburg) is a contemporary German-Dutch composer. ... A question of notability has been raised. ... Paul Lansky (born 1944) is widely considered one of the original electronic music or computer music composers, and has been producing works from the 1970s up to the present day (see discography, below). ... This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ... American composer Laurie Spiegel was born September 20, 1945. ... Morton Subotnick (born April 13, 1933) is an American composer of electronic music, best known for his Silver Apples of the Moon, the first electronic work commissioned by a record company, Nonesuch, and composed on the Buchla modular synthesizer which he helped to design. ... Iannis Xenakis Iannis Xenakis (Ιάννης Ξενάκης) (May 29, 1922 Brăila – February 4, 2001 Paris) was a Greek composer and architect who spent much of his life in Paris. ...

Samples of algorithmic music

Ballblazer. ... Jazz is a musical art form that originated in New Orleans at around the start of the 20th century. ... Band-in-a-Box is a program used to dynamically create solo pieces of music and some set pieces of varying styles with custom chord progressions. ... An orange square with waves indicates that an RSS feed is present on a webpage. ... For RSS feeds from Wikipedia, see Wikipedia:Syndication. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into ITunes. ...

External links

  • ACToolbox - an application to assist the algorithmic composition of music Computer-Aided Algorithmic Composition
  • algorithmic.net - a lexicon of systems and research in Computer-Aided Algorithmic Composition
  • Bol Processor is a rule-based, text-oriented composition software running on MacOS and interfaced with Csound and MIDI.
  • envl.net: Free, on-line, web-based tools for music generation
  • FlexiMusic Generator - generates music samples with graphs and numbers. Also generates noise and special sound samples useful for game programmers.
  • Fractmus: Fractmus is a freeware algorithmic composition program written by Spanish composer and pianist Gustavo Díaz-Jerez. Its source code is also freely available.
  • FractalMusician.com Phil Thompson's Organised Chaos: The Music of Chaos Theory. Fractal Music, Gingerbread and Venharis Fractal Music Generation Software.
  • Hyperscore Graphical music composition software.
  • Intermorphic - Generative music tools created by Pete Cole and Tim Cole, the creators of the Koan generative music engine.
  • MusiGenesis - generative music software that uses applied evolutionary theory to "grow" music; for musicians and non-musicians alike
  • Parallel Music - Parallel Music or 'PMusic' is a form of computer-based, algorithmic, indeterminate composition. The PMusic area of the Chameleon Lectra site provides more information and some free pieces.
  • rand()% is a real-time generative internet radio station.
  • Randomusic is a computer program that generates music sounding like human improvisations in the avant-garde genre of classical music. The site has samples with piano and cello you can listen to.
  • Realtime Composition Tools - generative computer programs for composition, live performance and sound design by Karlheinz Essl
  • SSEYO Koan Pro - SSEYO's Koan Pro generative music authoring tool, as used by Brian Eno to create 'Generative Music 1'.
  • Synesthesia Lauri Gröhn has developed software that generates music (midi file) from any photos in a few seconds.
  • Virtual MIDI Machine:VMM is a c-like multithreading language that allows a composer to write low-level MIDI algorithms.
  • WACM: Composer David Cope offers a workshop in creating Algorithmic Computer Music every summer at UCSC.

Computer-Aided Algorithmic Composition (CAAC, pronounced sea-ack) is the implementation and use of algorithmic composition techniques in software. ... Computer-Aided Algorithmic Composition (CAAC, pronounced sea-ack) is the implementation and use of algorithmic composition techniques in software. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Brian Peter George St. ... David Cope is an author, composer, and professor at UC Santa Cruz. ...

See also


  Results from FactBites:
 
Algorithmic Composition (3742 words)
Early algorithmic compositions were driven exclusively by collaboration between scientists and musicians; therefore, the use of scientific terminology normally associated with computer science provided a uniform understanding of the algorithm.
Given both the problem and the device, an algorithm is the precise characterization of a method of solving the problem, presented in a language comprehensible to the device.
Algorithmic solutions, therefore, are used to produce goal solutions by means of a series of tests; heuristics solve a problem by intuition and anticipation of the forthcoming data.
Science Fair Projects - Algorithmic composition (547 words)
Algorithmic composition is the technique of using algorithms to create music.
Algorithms (or, at the very least, formal sets of rules) have been used to compose music for centuries; the procedures used to plot voice-leading in Western counterpoint, for example, can often be reduced to algorithmic determinacy.
Algorithmic techniques have also been employed in a number of systems intended for direct musical performance, with many using algorithmic techniques to generate infinitely-variable improvisations on a predetermined theme.
  More results at FactBites »


 

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