Composition Theory in Koenig's Project One and Project Two
Otto Laske · Computer Music Journal · 1981
Composition theory is a theory about the process that underlies the design and realization of musical compositions. In particular, composition theory is about processes that are based on the use of explicit rule systems. In this century, the use of such systems has been given a new impetus through the development of computer programs. Programs for composition enable composers to work as musical engineers. This means they can use structured design methods and techniques developed for artificial intelligence (AI) systems such as knowledgebased systems. Composers can define compositional form in a series of steps leading from an overall design of deep structure (set of germinal ideas) to a more and more detailed specification of surface structures appearing in some notation. In this article, I will discuss problems of composition theory as embodied by two programs written by G. M. Koenig, Project One (PR-1) and Project Two (PR-2). Both programs were written between 1965 and 1970 and represent a first step toward an Al view of composition. They embody an analysis of the data base and the procedures required in composing. I will deal with the particulars of these programs only so far as is required for my topic, leaving it to the reader to study them in greater depth (Koenig 1970a; 1970b).