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:
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?
