James Hutchings's Page

"PS., For first species counterpoint specifically, there seems to exist a generator already on the web, at Tonesavvy: https://tonesavvy.com/music-practice-exercise/241/first-species-counterpoint-game/ ;"

"A computer program which generates counterpoint is, I guess, nearly impossible. There are simply too many possibilities in making a counterpoint melody and one cannot predict beforehand which ones are musically acceptable.  Perhaps another…"

"Hi James - Which line is the cantus firmus? Is the computer generating both lines? Neither line is an example of a well written cantus firmus. Maybe you should start with a known cantus firmus from Fux and let the computer generate the…"

"Thanks. I'm trying to do this as a computer program, so I have to have a specific rule. So would it be fine to have the rule "no similar motion where both parts are leaps"?"

"That should be read as a guideline. Two big leaps in similar motion would sound awkward. But he does it in his minor key example (bars 6 and 7) unless that's what he's prompting you to change. The only way to change that (counterpoint…"

"The list isn't complete. If you are doing this for a class, you've got the program to print a score that looks like counterpoint, maybe that's good enough? If you really care about counterpoint you might consider following our…"

"Here's a list of the rules I've used. Either this list isn't complete, or they aren't properly realized in the program. HARMONIC RULES (p27) Each harmony must be a consonance. (W) Can't have harmonic intervals greater than…"

"Hi James - You haven't defined the cantus firmus. You haven't followed the rules for writing a proper cantus firmus, which ever line it is. That's just the beginning, there's a bunch of rules for this.  That's why we…"

"Are there any changes that are more specific than what has already been suggested that can help me to improve the program?"

"Hi James - I don't know what your background is but I think we are willing to try and help with what seems like a difficult project as Gregorio has pointed out.  As you already realize midi files are pretty useless on their own, so…"

"I don't mean to discourage you, but rather empower you.. But it seems quite obvious that you have very little composing experience.  What would be beneficial, it seems to me, would be taking a whole course on counterpoint and theory, with…"

"I've replaced the midi file with an mp3 file, which is downloading on my computer (PC using Firefox)."

"Interesting subject but couldn't load the file. /Kjell"