Fuzzy Rules in Computer-Assisted Music Interpretation

In this paper we describe fuzzy rules used in the developed prototype of a “fuzzy music interpretation system” [4]. The core of this system consists of two essential units, the rule base and the inference machine. The rule base contains general IF–THEN interpretation rules, formulated by an experienced pianist. The inference machine contains both conventional and advanced fuzzy information processing strategies. Once the system is fed with the information—the notes and special signs such as “ppp” and “legato”, coded in accordance with the MIDI format—contained in the score of Beethoven’s “Für Elise”, it generates an interpretation of this piece of music and renders it in the form of a MIDI file. Certain refinement parameters allow us to modify the character of the interpretation.