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windowlikeryesterday at 9:27 PM3 repliesview on HN

I will caveat my first comment by also noting that I am well versed in computer music history, and read many many papers in CMJ[1] and elsewhere about generative and automatic composition tools such as Emily Howell[2]. I do NOT have a problem with generative, algorithmic and automatic composition in this sense, as an extension of the creative intentions of the human composer, in the right context. See also Autechre[3] for what can be done with Markov chains and good taste. What we are discussing here is the musical equivalent of a dishwasher.

[1] http://www.computermusicjournal.org/

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Cope#Emily_Howell

[3] http://autechre.ws/

Addendum: I would highly recommend the Margaret Boden book referenced in the wiki on David Cope/Emily Howell, which is an absolutely fascinating read and was incredibly far-sighted in its enquiries on this topic.


Replies

jrajavyesterday at 9:49 PM

Can I ask what the specific markers / qualifiers are for you to consider (let's call them) 'classical' generative and algorithmic techniques fair game in creative composition, but LLM agent based techniques not so?

To me, it seems like the "do it for me" aspect is similar, just at different levels of abstraction.

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PaulDavisThe1styesterday at 10:46 PM

> What we are discussing here is the musical equivalent of a dishwasher.

A dishwasher that may have been taught about Markov chains ...

jauntywundrkindyesterday at 11:30 PM

It'd broadly sad how folks so broadly slight and disregard novelty, are so quick to judge assume & discredit.

I have such respect for those who can do the good work of comments like your, trying to pry the closed mind open just a little more. This is such an essential outlook basis that needs to be taught, reinforced: a sense of exploring potential progress rather than sinking merely to conserving or out grouping or denying.

It's really cool that the human agency loop is improving. Ableton & DAWs should be so much better with expanded more language native interfacing!