I know that there are programs which take text, analyse which words/letters come after which and produce text based on that.
I propose the same, but for music. The concept is exactly the same: music is analysed, and new music is formed from analysis of what comes after what.
However, more complexity can be built in. Music is not just one note. It is a complex collection of layer upon layer of waveforms interacting. The program could sift these apart, and combine them up differently. This would result in even more variety.
Not only this, but one could combine two pieces of music to form a completely new thing. It could even ask listeners how they felt the music went, and build up a database of data about what we like to hear.
In the end, very good music could be formed.-- dbmag9, May 28 2006 Bruce Jacob: variations http://www.ee.umd.e...ithmic_composition/ [jutta, May 28 2006] A very rough introduction to Algorithmic Composition http://eamusic.dart...ithmdefinition.html [jutta, May 28 2006] Pandora http://www.pandora.com//data about what we like to hear// [Laimak, May 28 2006] Algorithmic Arts http://www.algoart.com/Makes composition tools. [jutta, May 28 2006] Eduardo Reck Miranda http://website.lineone.net/~edandalex/ [jutta, May 28 2006] Programs that write music exist, just like programs that paint. It's an interesting field. Here, have some links.
I think you've taken a general, simple idea that doesn't work if left alone ("Markov chains") and added any heuristics anyone can think of via a back door "more complexity can be built in". The devil is, as always, in the details.-- jutta, May 28 2006 //The devil is, as always, in the details.// Does that mean if you take take your dog to have its tail docked, that the Devil moves into the stump?-- xenzag, May 28 2006 [xen]: i despise your comment with utmost urgency.-- epicproblem, May 29 2006 My first drama teacher would always shout out "God is in the details," but he never explained what it meant.-- notmarkflynn, Jun 02 2006 <nemesis> Worst idea I've see in my life. [dbmag], I hope you locked your door tonight. The Atlantic cannot save your from my revenge. </n>
By the way, I think we should have signature weapons for our nemesis relationship. For you, I was thinking maybe a handgun with a bayonette attached to the underside of the barrel, or a shattered long-sword that now functions as a dagger. I'll take either a sawn-off over-under shotgun, or a shortspear.-- notmarkflynn, Jun 02 2006 How bizarre; I can't actually remember ever having conceived of or written this idea.-- dbmag9, May 22 2008 random, halfbakery