An innovative method of algorithmic composition using musical tension

摘要

According to narratology or narrative theory, a piece of artwork should tell a story based on its various tensions. In this study, an automated music composition algorithm using musical tension energy was proposed; this algorithm can generate a musical piece by changing the musical tension. The proposed innovative Algorithmic Composition Musical Tension Energy (ACMTE) method uses the level of musical tension; this level is determined primarily by the chord progression and also the musical parameters of pitch interval and rhythm. The effects of musical tension energy on those parameters were analyzed. This paper presents a formula that unifies all generated parts. The experimental results demonstrate that thousands of beautiful pieces can easily be made without the use of a music database. This algorithmic composition method can be easily applied in both streaming media and to portable music devices, such as smart phones, notebooks, and MP3 players.