Orchestration of Music by Grammar Systems

Abstract

This application-oriented study concerns computational musicology, which makes use of grammar systems. We define multi-generative rule-synchronized scattered-context grammar systems (without erasing rules) and demonstrates how to simultaneously make the arrangement of a musical composition for performance by a whole orchestra, consisting of several instruments. Primarily, an orchestration like this is illustrated by examples in terms of classical music. In addition, the orchestration of jazz compositions is sketched as well. The study concludes its discussion by suggesting five open problem areas related to this way of orchestration.