Algorithmic Composition

Algorithm is:

• A set of mathematical instructions that must be followed in a fixed order, and that, especially if given to a computer, will help to calculate an answer to a mathematical

problem [1].

• A systematic procedure that produces – in a finite number of steps the answer to a question or the solution of a problem [2].

• […] (especially computing) a set of rules that must be followed when solving a particular problem [4]. (Nierhaus 2009 p.2)

Primary principles of automated information processing can already be found in the 13th century. Through the works of Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace, The history of algorithmic composition has its beginning shortly after the turn of the first millennium with a system developed by Guido of Arezzo enabling the generation of melodic material from texts, spans over the application of algorithmic principles in the developing complex polyphony and is also found in the “composition machines” of Athanasius Kircher in the Baroque period. Furthermore, first applications of algorithms for compositional tasks can be found in the popular “musical dice game” in the 18th century.

Paradigms

• Markov models

Markov models are for the most part employed in the field of style imitation, but also, for example by Hiller and Xenakis, for applications of genuine composition.

• Generative grammars

Chomsky's generative grammars generation of musical structure

• Transition networks

David Cope’s program “EMI” “EMI” generates style imitations after having analyzed a sufficient number of compositions of a particular genre.

http://www.computerhistory.org/atchm/algorithmic-music-david-cope-and-emi/

• chaos and self-similarity

Fractals, Lindenmayer systems

• Genetic algorithms

• Cellular automata

• Neural networks

• Artificial intelligence

Nierhaus 2009 (Algorithmic Composition),

Roads 1996 (Computer Music Tutorial)

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Algorithmic Composition