Algorithmic Composer

Algorithmic Composer is a compositional tool that enables composers to construct musical structures by connecting virtual objects -- like metronomes, counters, etc... -- with virtual patch cables. The performer can then interact with these structures using a mouse, keyboard, microphone, and MIDI device.

Algorithmic Composer is a program that enables composition through the use of abstract object types that are connected together to form part of a patch, which is similar to the way older analogue machines used patch cables to connect different electronic modules together.

Algorithmic Composer is a Windows based program that allows users to create musical textures and events by piecing virtual objects together with patch cables on the computer screen, similar to the way a person might join pieces from a Mechano set to create a truck, train, crane, ... etc. With the Mechano set a truck might be created by joining metal panels with bolts, adding wheels, windows, motor, ... etc., which is just putting together pre-fabricated materials in a meaningful way to produce a desired result. Algorithmic Composer allows the user to create in a similar way by connecting counters, delays, metronomes, flip-flops, calculators, and other such devices. The user can interact with the program by using the mouse and /or a midi input device, and the computer sound card or an external midi sound engine produces the sound. Algorithmic Composer does not use a manuscript based representation, and so a person does not have to be able to read music to use the program.

Algorithmic Composer is also a powerful diagnostic tool useful for testing the capabilities and limitations of other MIDI software, external MIDI hardware devices, and the computer sound card. I use Algorithmic Composer in my work as a computer technician to test the functionality of sound cards on computers that are reported faulty. I use Algorithmic Composer to test, both individually and collectively, the entire setup from keyboards, sound card, through to the speakers and external synthesizers.

The main functionality of Algorithmic Composer is written in ISO/ANSI standard C++, which means that the program could be ported to another platform -- such as Linux or Macintosh -- in the near future. The underlying engine of Algorithmic Composer was used to form the underlying programmable logic control for the Smart Controller.

I designed Algorithmic Composer to meet a personal need as both a composer and performer of electronic music. I required a tool for the PC platform that would enable me to send MIDI data, which I was manipulating during a performance, to an external sound engine.

I was introduced to algorithmic compositional techniques through the "Max" software package when studying Music Technology at the University of Western Sydney (Nepean) in 1996. I used Max for all my performance projects; however, two aspects of Max disappointed me -- it was unavailable on most of the computers in the multimedia lab due to its price, and the program was not available for the PC platform so I commenced using C-Sound. Real time manipulation and sound generation was not available for the Windows or Dos environments, but was available for Linux. The disadvantage with C-Sound was that it was both a non graphical environment, and I was unable use external sound engines. I required a program that would run on PC and allow MIDI input and output; and because I could not buy such a software package, I decided to write one. I set the following specifications for the program:

The program must include a graphical user interface (GUI) that enabled composers, who mostly are not trained programmers, to create complex algorithmic structures without requiring a deep understanding of computer science.
The program had to enable and encourage documentation. After performing a significant amount of MAX, programming, and helping many students with their MAX patches, I realized that patch documentation is necessary to enable patch maintenance or assessment.
Patches must be navigable to facilitate patch de-bugging. The user must be able to access and edit the data in an object and all other objects connected to the selected object. The user can thereby navigate through a patch and examine the logic flow through the internal data.
The performer must be able to reset the patch to a known condition to enable effective rehearsal of pieces.

Angelo was awarded the Sydney Mechanics School of Arts Award in Theoretical Studies for the project and graduated with First Class Honours 1n 1999.

You can Listen to Visions From Hell, which was performed using Algorithmic Composer.

You can obtain the software and manual from the download page.

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