The Journey Versus the Destination

The use of evolutionary algorithms in music composition and creation has been heavily explored over the past thirty years. These algorithms have been used in controlling sound synthesis, automated musical improvisation, and the creation of musical compositions from short four-bar phrases to entire musical works. Many of these works focus on using the algorithmic process to reach an end goal, such as a completed score or musical performance (Dahlstedt, "Autonomous Evolution"); the intermediate steps the algorithm takes to reach this end goal are not heard. Moreover, a large amount of the research focuses on utilizing these algorithms to manipulate the more minute elements of sound, such as timbre, grain, pitch, and duration. The exploration into larger musical forms and structures is more limited, particularly with regard to the class of algorithms known as cellular automata. This paper focuses on the use of two specific evolutionary computer algorithms, cellular automata and genetic algorithms, with specific focus on the process these algorithms traverse in order to arrive at an end result as guides for structuring and creating music. The results of this research are presented in a five-work suite for flute, alto saxophone, cello, harpsichord, and analog modular synthesizer. A computerized sound installation then continues to extend the evolution of the musical material through the same algorithms used in its creation.