Algorithmic 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. 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.

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. 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.

So what is algorithmic music? Simply put, it is music that is composed using an automatic process (which can include computer software). It does not include automatic performance. It can be random, semi-random, fractal, or produced by some other complex computed means. As well as the mass of good MIDI sequencing and composition software that is available, there is a lot of excellent fractal/algorithmic music software available - much of it is free- or shareware.

Flickr Photo Gallery: Algorithmic Music Uploads

YouTube Recent Videos Gallery: Algorithms & Music

Algorithmic Music Evolution Engine (AMEE)

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Author: WORLDiscoveries
Keywords: digital media music composiiton gaming
Added: January 25, 2010

AlgoRythmic

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Author: BELAGA09
Keywords: algorithmic music Osnat Youssin
Added: December 7, 2009

SoundHelix Song 7

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Author: SoundHelix
Keywords: SoundHelix AlgoMusic random music algorithmic music Sound Helix
Added: November 23, 2009

Magic Square Music 1

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Author: adamscottneal
Keywords: adam scott neal magic square algorithm algorithmic music max msp
Added: November 15, 2009

Technorati Feeds Tagged With "Algorithm"

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Top News Stories: Algorithmic Music

Knight Introduces Algorithmic Pairs Trading Capabilities (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)

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Knight Capital Group, Inc. today announced the introduction of algorithmic pairs trading capabilities for institutions designed to increase fulfillment rates through improved liquidity sourcing and a flexible, easy-to-use interface.

ASX: you still need us to protect against computer trades (Sydney Morning Herald)

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THE ASX has used a submission to the corporate regulator on controversial computer-driven algorithmic trading to warn of threats to market integrity should it lose its market monopoly to foreign operators.

Google Gets More Social With Buzz (New York Times)

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Feeling overwhelmed by the bevy of social networking services? Google wants to help — by adding one to the list. On Tuesday the company unveiled Google Buzz, another way for people to tell other people what they’re doing, thinking and feeling.

ASX points finger at machine traders (The Age)

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The ASX has used a submission to ASIC on controversial computer-driven algorithmic trading to warn of threats to market integrity should it lose its monopoly to foreign operators.

External Links

Sample Random Music Generator, Gnosis Arts Multimedia Communications LLC

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