02 — PROBABILISTIC ENGINE
Generative Sequencer
An 8-step sequencer where each step fires based on probability. Set pitch, probability, and velocity per step. Press Evolve to drift the system autonomously.
90
70%
The probabilistic sequencer extends the classic 8-step pattern with stochastic firing: each step plays only if a random value falls below its probability threshold. This generates ever-varying rhythmic patterns from a fixed set of pitches — the core of generative melodic systems used by Brian Eno and contemporary modular synthesis.
03 — MATHEMATICAL RHYTHM
Euclidean Rhythm Generator
Four polyrhythmic tracks. The Euclidean algorithm distributes K hits as evenly as possible across N steps — generating the world's most universal rhythmic patterns.
90
"The Euclidean algorithm generates traditional musical rhythms" — Godfried Toussaint, 2004. E(3,8) = [x..x..x.] = the Cuban tresillo. E(5,8) = the Cuban cinquillo. E(4,12) = the West African standard bell. These are not approximations — they are mathematically exact reproductions of world rhythm traditions.
04 — MARKOV COMPOSER
Probability Matrix Composer
A 6×8 grid of pitch × time probabilities. Click cells to cycle 0→50→100%. Enable Markov mode for autonomous composition guided by transition weights.
C3
20%
A Markov chain treats each musical state as a node in a probability graph. The matrix cell values define transition weights: a high probability at row C, column 3 means the system is likely to play C at time-step 3. In Markov mode, the current pitch biases the next pitch selection — the system composes itself forward.
05 — BREATHING SYSTEM
Ambient Evolution Engine
Five voices drift autonomously through pitch and timbre space. A system that breathes on its own — governed by LFO envelopes and slow harmonic attraction.
30
60
50
The ambient evolution engine models five independent voices as particles in a 2D field. Vertical position encodes pitch; size encodes volume; color temperature encodes timbre. Consonance pulls voices toward harmonic intervals (perfect fifths, octaves). Dissonance clusters them into dense chromatic clouds. The Breathe mode imposes a slow 8-bar LFO on all voice volumes simultaneously — the system inhales and exhales.
06 — SIGNAL FLOW
Reactive Composition Graph
Drag nodes. Click an output port then an input port to connect with a bezier wire. Data particles flow along connections at BPM tempo. Double-click a wire to remove it.
The composition graph is a modular synthesis metaphor: each node is a signal processing unit, each wire is a control or audio connection. This is the paradigm of Max/MSP, Pure Data, and VCV Rack — instead of composing notes, you compose systems that generate notes. The graph is the score.
07 — EMERGENT HARMONY
Emergent Harmony Explorer
A 12-note chromatic circle. Generative algorithms select chords based on harmonic series weighting, entropy, and modal constraints. Chords evolve with phosphor persistence.
—
25%
Harmonic series weighting biases chord generation toward intervals found low in the overtone series: octaves (2:1), fifths (3:2), fourths (4:3). Higher entropy introduces chromatic tones not predicted by the harmonic series. Evolve mode slowly drifts the chord selection through modal space, creating the slow harmonic movement characteristic of ambient generative music.
08 — PRACTITIONERS
Generative Music Artists
The composers, artists, and researchers who built the field of generative and algorithmic music.
09 — LEXICON
Generative Music Glossary
22 essential terms spanning generative systems, algorithmic composition, and ambient music practice.