Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > December 2003 > 2003.12.23 > 02Prev  Next


Mozart, The Algorithmic Composer
By Don Cox

Randolph Herr wrote in 031220 MMDigest:

> Mozart died in 1791 and he wrote music for mechanical music clocks,
> while the Jacquard Loom appeared around 1800.

Mozart also wrote a program to generate simple dance tunes
algorithmically.  This has been ported to most modern computers and
is the oldest program I know.

The fact that Mozart had to generate random numbers by throwing dice
rather than using an algorithm does not affect the working of the
program.  I think he would have enjoyed playing pool over the Internet.

Regards
Don Cox

 [ See "Experiments in Musical Intelligence", by Dr. David Cope, at
 [ http://arts.ucsc.edu/faculty/cope/  -- Robbie


(Message sent Mon 22 Dec 2003, 13:51:36 GMT, from time zone GMT.)

Key Words in Subject:  Algorithmic, Composer, Mozart

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page