gtm.markov

A software library (Max package) for the Max visual programming environment aimed at enhancing accessibility to working with algorithmic/generative approaches to electronic music composition and performance and embedded algorithms for musicians and sound artists. The package is built around two external Max/MSP objects for generating second-order Markov chains, gtm.markov and gtm.markov~, and makes innovative use of the RNBO extension of Max to develop and compile these external objects, thus building upon the potentialities of generating Markov chains using vanilla Max objects and/or the ml.markov external Max object included with the ml.star Max package (Smith and Garnett 2012). Second-order Markov chains, which derive the result of the current calculation according to the outcome of the two previous calculations, strike a pleasing balance between originality and predictability in melodic generation applicable to a plethora of musical styles and genres, thus serving as an effective starting point for musicians and sound artists exploring algorithmic/generative compositional and performance techniques for the first time. Underpinning the package is a novel approach to generating second-order Markov chains using RNBO and codebox, while support for sample accurate second-order Markovian generation using the gtm.markov~ external MSP object and the RNBO patcher and codebox code from which it is compiled is another example of novelty. Exposure of the RNBO patchers and codebox code from which gtm.markov and gtm.markov~ are compiled within the Max package, complete with in-depth annotations, comments, and accompanying video tutorials, equips users with the requisite knowledge and understanding of RNBO and codebox to exploit the versatility of RNBO and modify, export, and run the code externally to Max utilising any of the following supported export targets: Ableton Move; Raspberry Pi; AU and VST plugins; JSON for web browser implementation; and anything else capable of running the C++ source code.