DEFINITION PROBLEM OF ALGORITHMIC MUSIC COMPOSITION. RE-EVALUATION OF THE CONCEPTS AND TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACH


In the 20th–21st centuries, the practice of the constructive composing of music is a diverse result in which mathematical manipulations of earlier epochs and modern innovations coexist. The establishment of the conception of algorithmic composing of music and application of algorithmic processes in the sphere of composing contemporary music makes an ever wider use of computer device and has opened immense possibilities for generating musical ideas and their implementation.
Phenomenon of algorithm in music itself covers a wide range of creative procedures. The application of algorithm in music creative process may be distinguished in one more point of view: 1) algorithm as a tool for composing and 2) systematic effect on the whole composition, its musical language and structure, etc. Conceptually algorithmic music composition may be considered as: 1) imitation of certain style; 2) original music result. Also, music composition may be differentiated into computer generated music and computer assisted composition. Besides, this practice provokes the re-evaluation of composer’s role. The definition of the function of a computer (or software) is becoming complicated too – whether it is merely a tool of generating the music according to certain instructions. Therefore, the practice of algorithmic music has caused the need for new directions and methodologies in music analysis, peculiarly initiating value-based transformations of the creator and categories of musical compositions.