The algorithmic score language: Extending common western music notation for representing logical behaviors

Abstract

This work proposes extensions to Western Music Notation so it can play a dual role: first as a human-readable representation of the music performance information in the context of live-electronics, and second as a programming language which is executed during the live performance of a piece. This novel approach simplifies the compositional workflow, the communication with performers, the musical analysis, and the actual performance of scored pieces that involve computer interactions. Extending Western Music Notation as a programming language creates musical scores which encode music information for performance that is human-readable, cohesive, self-contained and sustainable, making the interactive music genre attractive to a wide spectrum of composers and performers of new music. A collection of pieces was composed and performed based on the new extended notation and some repertoire pieces were transcribed enabling the syntax evaluation in the context of different compositional aesthetics. The results of this research created a unique approach to composition and performance of interactive music that is supported by technology and founded in traditional music practices that have been used for centuries.