000-Defintion-Generative.Rmd

# What do we mean "Generative" music? {#definition-generative}

## Generative: {.unnumbered}

"Generative" music is where, following some trigger event such as pressing
"play" or playing a note, or initiating some voltage (in modular synthesis
rack), the music follows some rules, algorithms or uses probability to generate
or evolve the musical ideas (notes, rhythms, timbres) for an arbitrary amount of
time. In some cases the generative algorithms work ***with*** the performer,
reacting to their input. In other cases the performer may intervene with the
algorithms to tweak, adjust or change direction.
  
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## Key idea {.unnumbered}

Generative music means (to me) that the music should be able to go on
indefinitely, with enough going on to make it interesting, but without anything
particularly "sticking out" to catch the listener's ear.

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Some generative algorithms take parts that the performer plays and augments this
with additional harmony, chords or (counter) melodies. An example of this is
[Olafur Arnalds' and Halldór Eldjárn's Stratus algorithm for performer
pianos](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktxkEBT5CB0) where MIDI triggers
generate sequences of associated notes, chords and "ripples" in a separate
instrument or player piano.
  
Other generative music involves complex algorithms, probability triggers and
modulations to create ever-changing sounds, sequences, rhythms. [Often these are
programmed via modular synth rigs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNz1XfVfJak)
using LFOs, sequencers, quantizers, harmonic generators, bernoulli gates, Turing
machines.
  
With [Ableton Live Suite](https://www.ableton.com/en/live/), it's possible to
create both kinds of generative sequences - either shorter, reactive sequences
or long infinitely varying sequences. Through modulation and automation it's
possible to create music where the sounds evolve, appear, disappear, blend or
create dissonance. In this book we'll try to present some ideas that will help
get you started on this journey. I recommend that you try out the ideas in
practice. Let the sequences play. Sit with them a while and let what you hear
guide what to try next...
  
It is my firm belief that the tools provided in Ableton Live Suite, including
Max for Live, can replicate many of the generative possibilities within modular
synthesis rigs. I hope to show within the following chapters how a combination
of stock Ableton plugins plus some free (or inexpensive) Max for Live plugins
can help you create generative music that is interesting to listen to.
  
This is only the beginning.