Can algorithms and creativity mix? In our current technological landscape saturated with discourse about generative “AI”, it has become perhaps less intuitive that algorithms have long been a friend to human creativity. As opposed to the current trend of using AI software to metabolize and supplant the creations of human artists, algorithmic tools have a legacy of facilitating free creative expression. In fact, we can count Hyperscore among the products of this legacy. With Hyperscore, algorithms can translate moment-to-moment experimentation and play into sound with ease, while still allowing users to remain in the driver’s seat. In October’s Second Saturdays workshop, we took a look at principles of algorithm as they apply both to motive-based music composition and the nuts and bolts of Hyperscore itself.
The practice of using recurring motifs in music can be quite similar to the practice of calling a function in algorithmic calculation – both processes involve the recapitulation and development of a discrete idea (whether a musical theme or string of code) across a larger document (a musical composition, or a program). In our workshop, we zoomed in on the parallels of a program written in Scratch and a piece of music written in Hyperscore. Peter demonstrated this by writing “hot cross buns” in both programs, showing the way that Hyperscore uses the same building block approach as Scratch while streamlining the process, making it immediately accessible to anyone regardless of familiarity with either music or programming.
Hot Cross Buns written in Hyperscore (left) and in Scratch (right)
It was striking to see how similar building a program using algorithms is to building a song from component pieces in Hyperscore. A musician delving into programming, or a software engineer trying out music, may find more familiar territory than they would expect. Moreover, from whatever entry point, field, philosophy, or mindset around composition someone may encounter Hyperscore, they are sure to find spaces of resonance and support in their particular approach. Hyperscore is just that versatile.
Behind the curtain of Hyperscore
We progressed into a conversation that highlighted some of the musical and harmonic philosophies and choices that underpin Hyperscore’s programming. Much care, passion and effort has gone into making Hyperscore easy to use while still allowing for ample expression of subjective user taste and harmonic preference.
Peter showed us some of the code that goes into managing the melody and sketch windows, and we discussed the complexity of the code that handles the harmony modes and the Harmony Line. Creating this code required choices about what kinds of harmony might be considered “classical”, for deciding how “Classical Mode” or the Harmony Line modulates the notes a user puts into a motive. These settings do not invoke unequivocal rules from Western harmony, however – although they informed by Western musical traditions, they prioritize user choice above all.
Indeed, there is no prescriptive view within Hyperscore of what music “should” sound like or be. In classrooms and in workshops, we never frame the classical harmony mode, or any harmony mode, as better than any other way of composition. The harmony mode options are available as a tool if students prefer not to hear dissonance in their piece, so that anyone can create a consonant piece if they want to. However, this is not necessarily the “right” choice. The only “right” way to compose is the “right way for you”, and only you can determine that for yourself by using your ear and hearing what makes you excited, what resonates, what makes you go “ooh, I like that!”. As an example of this dynamic, our conversation turned toward the common practice for musicians to play “wrong notes” in compositions they are performing, because it sounds better to their ear. In many ways, their “mistakes” are just another interpretation, rather than an error to be corrected!
Similarly, there are no dogmatic compositional rules in Hyperscore despite the traditions that informed it. The subjective, original choices made uniquely by each user breathe life into the scaffolding that Hyperscore’s programming has built. Algorithms enable Hyperscore to exist as the barrier-breaking accessible program that it is, but it is the creativity of the human composers that use it that creates something magical.
Watch our full conversation below, and join us for future Second Saturday workshops.
Featured photo by Ylanite Koppens via Pexels