Interval restriction : a composition system and its automation

This dissertation presents composition project that includes a software tool and a folio of scores and recordings. A composition method called Interval Restriction Composition (IRC) is presented. The author has devised IRC for writing music using the equal tempered chromatic, and the system comes under close examination for its musical utility. A detailed study reveals that while IRC would allow the composer to write music with a high degree of intervallic integrity, the sheer volume of repetitive work needed to conform to the method places it out of reach of a composer working without the aid of a computer. The field of Computer Assisted Composition is then surveyed to determine whether available composition tools are suitable for the automation of IRC. It is acknowledged that there are tools that perform similar functions to that demanded of IRC, however they are considered to be either inadequate or inappropriate. Consequently, a software tool called Restricted Interval Counterpoint Engine (RICE) is presented. RICE is custom designed to automate Interval Restriction Composition. RICE also extends the system by providing musically useful functions, including auditioning. A folio of RICE assisted compositions and recordings is presented. These compositions are discussed in the context of RICE and IRC, as well as on their own merits. This discussion includes an evaluation of the compositions and the impact of RICE on IRC and the compositional process. Finally, discussion of future directions for the technical and musical improvement of IRC and the software conclude the dissertation