1.3. Introducing Generators

Introducing Generators

What They Are

A Generator is a programmable algorithm that synthesizes musical structures. A Generator contains several built-in musical routines, which can be executed on demand and are configurable via parameters.

What They Do

Generators produce musical structures (e.g., melodic lines, chorals, polyphonic textures) and render them in the score using standard music notation. They employ both stochastic and deterministic logic, therefore a given Generator will produce same class compositions for a given set of parameters, but not same music.

Previously generated music is overwritten on each new execution. Therefore, if you want to compare the different variants produced on subsequent runs, you have these options:

1. generate in batches, e.g., 4-5 runs, overwriting the previous content every time; then use global Undo/Redo functionality to move through variants and audition them;
2. reconnect the Generator to another Section of the score before every generation;
3. maintain several generator instances, use the same configuration in all, but connect each one to another Section of the score; then cycle through all of them and click the Generate button of each instance.

The approach at (3) is also a good way to tackle conceptual composition: plan the evolution of your score ahead of time in terms of musical factors (such as pitch, intervals, durations, profiles) then add a succession of generator instances whose parameters gradually change to match your planned evolution.

Generator instances and their configuration are saved with your project. Therefore, you can create '*.maid` files with pre-connected and pre-configured Generator instances to serve as templates.

Note: Starting with version 1.5, MAIDENS comes bundled with a number of pre-configured, "stock" templates and presets that make getting started with Generators a no-brainer.

What to Use Them For

You use Generators to artificially produce musical structures. These can serve as a stimulus to your imagination, as raw material to refine, or as a ground to build upon. When used right, they can increase the speed and efficiency of your work as an art music composer.