A Process Algebra for Stochastic Music Composition
Brian J. Ross · 1995
: A process algebra suitable for modelling stochastic music composition is presented. The algebra is based on Toft's weighted sequential calculus of communicating systems, which is a probabilistic version of Milner's SCCS. The algebra permits the design of stochastically-based automata which perform a variety of musically interesting behaviours, including reactive behavior between processes (horizontal composition), and simultaneity of musical events (vertical composition). The most notable feature of the algebra is the ability to mathematically model complex musical systems with an algebra having a rigorous but simple formal semantics. This permits formal analysis of musical systems, as well as a basis for deriving well-founded implementations. This algebra complements other models based in trace theory, Petri Nets, Markov processes, and other stochastic music programming languages. Key words: process algebra, concurrency, computer music, stochastic composition 1 Introduction The ...