Composing a program

Symbolic Composer is one of the most interesting music concepts I've seen for a long time.
Regular readers will be aware of my interest in music composition programs. Symbolic Composer is a music composition language.
It could be described as an expert system for music production and it's based on the granddaddy of all AI (Artificial Intelligence) languages - Lisp.
It differs dramatically from other music composition programs such as M, Ludwig. Realtime, Tango and so on as it is infinitely more flexible.
You compose with symbols rather than notes and there is a library of functions you can apply to these symbols including generators, processors, converters, mappers, neural experts and librarians.
You then use definers to build instruments which are scored on a timesheet and compiled to standard Midi file.

Midi- compatible
The music is written as text and must be compiled and loaded into a Midi file-compatible sequencer. It will run quite happily within Dr T's MPE in KCS and with Steinberg's Switcher program.
The text format means it is easy to edit and programs can be transferred to other symbolic composers running on other computers (it's already on the Mac and is currently being ported to the PC).
Symbolic Composer costs 250 and requires an ST with 4Mb of RAM. As well as the dosh and the memory, you need some patience, too, as it is a fully-fledged language.
However, the basic rules of syntax are about as easy to learn as the rules of chess (it says here).
Academics will love Symbolic Composer but it can be used to create more mainstream output, too. There are two files on the CoverDisk this month which show just two of the types of music the program is capable of generating.
They are in Midi file format 0 (one homogenous track) and should load into any sequencer which supports standard Midi files (although Roland's Tentrax sequencer will only load type 1 files).
If your sequencer has a de-mix function you can split the track into their respective Midi channels. The files are configured for use with a GM (General Midi) instrument. Fiborock.Mid produces a surprisingly band-like funk/fusion performance.
If you don't have a GM instrument, set Midi channel 1 to a synth sound, 2 to a bass, three to a guitar and 10 to drums. It uses the GS/Roland drum map.

Channels
FRACTAL.MID was produced by one of the program's Fractal Generators. The music is on channels 2 and 3 - select sounds to suit!
For the more dedicated and adventurous composer and for anyone who just can't get what they wont out of a sequencer. Symbolic Composer is worth investigating. Get in touch with IMPAC Consultants, 8 Park Avenue. Denby Dale Road. Wakefield WF2 8D5. Tel: 0924 383017.

Atari ST User December 1992.
