Making Complex Music with Simple Algorithms, is it Even Possible?

Visualizações: 212

Authors

  • Risto Holopainen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33871/23179937.2021.9.2.3

Keywords:

Algorithmic composition, Computational complexity, Dynamic systems, Acoustic processing

Abstract

Algorithmic composition is often limited to score generation, but may also include sound production. All levels from sound synthesis to the generation of a complete composition can be integrated into one monolithic program. A strict separation of the low level of sound synthesis and higher levels otherwise reserved for algorithmic composition is not necessary, information can flow between all levels. An interesting challenge in this kind of thorough algorithmic composition is to generate as complex music as possible with as little code as possible. The challenge has been accepted, successfully or not, in a series of compositions called Kolmogorov Variations. We discuss the techniques used in a few of the pieces as well as the promises and perils of this strict approach to algorithmic composition.

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Author Biography

Risto Holopainen

Risto Holopainen is a composer, writer, and visual artist based in Norway. In 2012 he completed a doctoral dissertation on self-organised sound with autonomous instruments. He has composed for instrumental ensembles, dance performance, made radiophonic plays, electroacoustic music, and a number of videos and animations. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5120-9598. E-mail: ebeling@ristoid.net

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Published

2021-11-30

How to Cite

Holopainen, R. (2021). Making Complex Music with Simple Algorithms, is it Even Possible?. Vortex Music Journal, 9(2), 3. https://doi.org/10.33871/23179937.2021.9.2.3

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2021): Vortex Music Journal

Section

Dossier "Creative practices in Sound Art"

License

Copyright (c) 2021 Risto Holopainen

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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