Style Composition With An Evolutionary Algorithm

This paper presents a general-purpose symbolic music generation framework based on an evolutionary algorithm. It aims to work for any given musical fitness that is definable in a similar way as the ruleset for 18th century counterpoint. This framework is demonstrated through several composition scenarios in the style of 18th century four-part first species counterpoint. The scenarios include free and constrained composition tasks such as voice/part completion and melody harmonization.