Suff:Algo

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Previously developed similar software

• "Sharle" - Chong Yu, MIT 1996
  • Java source available
  • Uses objects and hierarchy heavily - can Max handle this sort of computation?
  • Uses expert system decision making
  • Uses weighted probabilities

• "Experiments in Musical Intellegence" - David Cope, 1981-2006
  • Attempts to replicate composers' styles by mimicing rhythmic patterns
  • Utilizes LISP heavily
  • Supposedly artificially intelligent - sounds pretty much like identical rhythmic patterns used with different notes
  • Clearly not as random as the goal application

My Design

• Development
  • Cycling '74's Max

• Real Time Algorithm
  • Calculations
    • Rhythm
      • Calculate by previous note and placement in measure - ex. one triplet is most likely to be followed by 2 other triplets
      • Or - Random using natural note event probabilities (see Suff:Progs)
      • Rest calculation - when, how long, how often? need to find a way to do this...
    • Pitch
      • Recalculate probabilities each time a note is played - Base on proper music theory
      • Allow for key changes and progressive chord movement
    • Velocity
      • Calculate by placement in measure/phrase
  • Data Storage
    • Rhythm
      • Consider storing a basic rhythm line for repetition later - this might break the "computerized" style, so it might not be desirable
    • Pitch
      • Store possible pitch values in a table
      • Associate with probability
    • Velocity
      • No storage required - calculate by known values
  • Process Flow
    1. Select duration
       • How?
         • Random using natural note event probabilities? (see Suff:Progs)
         • Calculated using probability table? (2 triplets probably follow 1 triplet played on beat)
    2. Select velocity
       • Calculate by position in measure. 1,3 accented, off beats not so much.
    3. Select Pitch (and trigger "noteon" object)
       • How? Need to figure a way to make the probability table work and stay updated
    4. End Note at duration end
       • Duration end from "advmetro" (see Suff:Progs) triggers note end
    5. Trigger next note
       • Triggered at same time as note end

• Pre Process Algorithm
  • Data Storage
    • Single Note
      • Start time
      • Expected duration/end time
      • Instrument
    • Phrase / riff
      • List of notes
      • Used as a guideline - possibly have the ability to randomize or interact with other instruments' lines
      • Possibly generate a bunch of phrases before the song is "written"
      • Possibly don't tie phrases to "real notes" - instead use "relative notes" so phrases can be applied to whatever key the song is in when the phrase is used
    • Phrase Order
      • Have a way to organize the song
      • For instance, maybe a chorus happens ever 8 bars in a particular song. The song ends in 48 bars. There's a beginning phrase and an ending phrase that need to be played on time
  • Process Flow
    • working on it...