Algorithmic Musical Improvisation From 2d Board Games

ScrabbleTM-to-MIDI is a computer-emulated two dimensional board game that generates MIDI music from game rules and state as the game is played. Software modules include the board graphical user interface, rule engine and game state, a translator that maps game state to musical events, a second graphical user interface for manipulating translator configuration parameters, and a software synthesizer for rendering MIDI events. The plugin translator and its configuration parameters comprise a composition. Improvisation consists of playing a unique game and of making ongoing adjustments to mapping parameters during play. Statistical distributions of letters and words provide a basis for mapping structures from word lists to notes, chords and phrases. While pseudorandom tile selection provides a stochastic aspect to the instrument, players utilize knowledge of vocabulary to impose structure on this sequence of pseudo-random selections, and a conductor uses mapping parameters to variegate this structure in up to sixteen instrument voices.