Complexity as Process: Complexity-inspired approaches to composition

Abstract

This article examines the use of Complexity Theory as an inspiration for the creation of new musical works, and highlights problems and possible solutions associated with its application as a compositional tool. In particular it explores how the philosophy behind Complexity Theory affects notions of process-based composition, indeterminacy in music and the performer/listener/environment relationship, culminating in providing a basis for the understanding of music creation as an active process within a context. The author presents one of his own sound installations, Cross-Pollination, as an example of a composition inspired and best understood from the philosophical position as described in Complexity Theory.

Generating Music from Flocking Dynamics

“…While they are often based in very simple dynamical rules, these algorithms can produce results that are sophisticated enough to outperform the designer and create new structures that cannot be predicted by the elements used in their construction [26]. They are, therefore, a natural choice for exploring the potential of what could be called performing machines [23].…”