Welcome to the website dealing with the music composition algorithm called scorealgorithm1.py by Kevin James.

On the Introduction page, I explain what scorealgorithm1.py is, how I came up with it, why I compose music using computer programs, and what makes this program different from many other music composition algorithms that are freely available.

All the compositions on Chamber Music 1 are composed using a computer program that I have written in Python (except "The Romans"). When I say composed, I mean that the notes, pitches, rhythms, and expressive parameters are created using a computer algorithm. I have decided to release this algorithm with an open source license, so that it can be used or modified for any artistic, academic, or commercial project.

I last ran scorealgorithm1.py in Python 2.6.4, so you'll need Python. I assume that you have a working knowledge in the Python programming language, but if you don't, there are plenty of tutorials available online.

Scorealgorithm1.py creates a score that can be used by the software synthesis program CSound. CSound takes the output of scorealgorithm1.py and digitally synthesizes a musical recording using custom-designed instruments. CSound is not a simple program, but it is worth the effort because it is a free, powerful, and flexible program that can accomplish all of your synthesis needs. Tutorials, help files, and the latest version of CSound itself are available for download at the website www.csounds.com.

It is necessary to have a basic understanding of how scorealgorithm1.py works in order to compose with it. Read an overview of the program's function on the Algorithm Overview page.

There are a lot of parameters to consider when working with scorealgorithm1.py. I have created an exhaustive list of parameters, with descriptions and examples, to explain the different functions that scorealgorithm1.py is capable of. Read more on the Manual page.

Download the template used for creating compositions here.

The fastest way to start using scorealgorithm1.py is to jump right in and start composing music with a tutorial. These Tutorials will walk you through all of the essential features.

For a fully-featured composition using scorealgorithm1.py, download composition17.py. The title of the piece is "Composition 17 - 2 Corinthians 6 - Behold We Live". For other pieces created using the algorithm, visit the Chamber Music 1 webpage.

Scorealgorithm1.py doesn't render a musical recording. It only creates a score that's understandable by a software synthesis program called CSound. Not only that, but scorealgorithm1.py expects the software instruments in CSound to have a special format. I've released a series of instruments that will play scores generated by scorealgorithm1.py, but you can create your own sounds and synths yourself if you understand the format. Read more about implementing scorealgorithm1.py with CSound on the Synthesis page.

All the files that I make available dealing with scorealgorithm1.py, including the algorithm itself, openorchestra.csd, template.py, tutorial1.py, tutorial2.py, tutorial3.py, and composition17.py, are copyright (C) 2011 by Kevin James and are licensed under the GNU General Public License, available here.

I do ask that if you enjoy my work, distribute it, or use it in a compilation, please pray about making a donation, because the donations of generous supporters are what sustain my work.

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