Date of Award
2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
McDonald, Patrick
Keywords
Genetic Algorithm, Bach, Johann Sebastian, Chorale
Area of Concentration
Natural Sciences
Abstract
One of the goals of natural computing is to develop and use techniques inspired by nature to solve complex problems using a computer. Genetic algorithms represent one such technique. Inspired by the processes of natural selection and evolution, a genetic algorithm seeks to generate solutions to an optimization problem via a process which involves the production of many generations of populations whose individuals represent potential or approximate solutions to the given problem. In this thesis, we employ a genetic algorithm approach to the problem of generating four-part chorales in the traditional Western style. We perform a number of computational experiments and produce successive generations of chorales, and demonstrate that the average and maximum fitness of the candidate pool increases. Additionally, we perform another experiment where the genetic algorithm attempts to reconstruct a chorale composed by J.S. Bach, using distorted versions of the original chorale as a seed population.
Recommended Citation
Cerni, Andrew, "Bach to the Future Using a Genetic Algorithm to Create Chorales in the Style of J.S. Bach" (2013). Theses & ETDs. 4747.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4747