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21M.383 | Spring 2023 | Undergraduate, Graduate

# Computational Music Theory and Analysis

Read through at least chapters 2–4, skimming parts that are too dense or obscure, of history’s first major discussion of algorithmic composition: Lejaren A. Hiller, Jr., and Leonard M. Isaacson, Experimental Music: Composition with an Electronic Computer (New York: McGraw Hill, 1959). ISBN: 9789333639651. [Read on Internet Archive]

This book describes the Illiac Suite, composed by but not performed by the ILLIAC computer (Wikipedia: ILLIAC). The composition consists of four “experiments” (movements).

Listen to at least movements 1 and 4:

- 1. (required)
- 2.
- 3.
- 4. (required)

Discussion: What aspects of the aesthetics and methods of this 65+ year-old experiment are still relevant today, and what aspects have aged out of usefulness?

## Course Info

##### Instructor

- Prof. Michael Scott Asato Cuthbert

##### Departments

- Music and Theater Arts

##### As Taught In

Spring 2023

##### Level

Undergraduate
Graduate

##### Topics

- Fine Arts
  - Music
    - Music History
    - Music Theory
- Mathematics
  - Computation
  - Mathematical Analysis
  - Probability and Statistics

##### Learning Resource Types

notes Lecture Notes
theaters Lecture Videos
theaters Other Video
assignment Multiple Assignment Types
grading Exams
Editable Files

Browse Resources

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