Formalizing compositional techniques through the software PWGL

The project intends to explore, manipulate and formalize existing compositional techniques: the software PWGL allows for the programming of music through algorithms and complex functions. The program brings out, in the field of the music-theoretical thinking, a possible definition of "technique".

The research project aims to explore, manipulate and formalize some of these compositional techniques and the principles that underlie them. Thanks to algorithmic patches generated with PWGL, a free cross-platform visual language specializing in computer aided composition, a significant number of compositional techniques will be explored, manipulated and formalized, that is reduced to their basic properties.

The project addresses two complementary areas of research: composition and musical analysis.

Aims

The project intends to develop a specific method to improve and enhance compositional and analytical competences. The formalization processes, through the PWGL software, will make it possible to achieve a higher level of comprehension of a specific compositional techniques

The utility for the composition is the possibility of creating and developing new techniques made possible by a prior understanding of musical properties and implications. This way, composers will be able to update, personalize and use different techniques, as well as develop new ones.

Results

From an analytical point of view, this approach is particularly fruitful for the analysis and for the understanding of various musical processes, especially regarding the repertoire of the second half of the twentieth century.

Both in terms of composition and analysis, this project aims to support the traditional historical approach to the musical and poetic with a logical perspective, using the latest scientific methods of investigation.

The project is intended as a starting point for a practice that unites, through a common interface (the software PWGL), composers and researchers.

The results of this research consist of open patches that can be used by the student and researchers, as well as documentation of the basic principles and the logic passages of each patch.