Chapter 4

Transformation and Process

Topics: Musical patterns and meaning, minimalism, Steve Reich, Mod functions, musical canon, J.S. Bach, Arvo Pärt, viewing musical material, software development process, computer-aided music composition.

4.1 Overview

Being able to write down and represent music is an important skill that we have examined in some detail in the previous chapters. In this chapter we focus on another important skill, transforming music to create variations and developing it into longer and more interesting compositions. More broadly, this chapter explores foundational programming skills required to manipulate data. But first, a little background to provide context.

4.2 Gestures, Emotion, and Musical Structure

The contrast between ...

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