Evolving four-part harmony using genetic algorithms

Abstract

This paper presents a genetic algorithm that evolves a four-part musical composition-melodically, harmonically, and rhythmically. Unlike similar attempts in the literature, our composition evolves from a single musical chord without human intervention or initial musical material. The mutation rules and fitness evaluation are based on common rules from music theory. The genetic operators and individual mutation rules are selected from probability distributions that evolve alongside the musical material. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.