Co-evolving melodies and harmonization in evolutionary music composition

Abstract

The paper describes a novel multi-objective evolutionary algorithm implementation that generates short musical ideas consisting of a melody and abstract harmonization, developed in tandem. The system is capable of creating these ideas based on provided material or autonomously. Three automated fitness features were adapted to the model to evaluate the generated music during evolution, and a fourth was developed to ensure harmonic progression. Four rhythmical pattern matching features were also developed. 21 pieces of music, produced by the system under various configurations, were evaluated in a user study. The results indicate that the system is capable of composing musical ideas that are subjectively interesting and pleasant, but not consistently.