Ariza, C. 2003. "Ornament as Data Structure: An Algorithmic Model based on Micro-Rhythms of Csángó Laments and Funeral Music." In Proceedings of the International Computer Music Conference. San Francisco: International Computer Music Association. 187-193. Internet: http://www.flexatone.net/ docs/ odsammrclfm.pdf abstract

This study presents an algorithmic method for creating ornaments linked to skeletal base-notes. In developing this model, a data structure for encoding ornament-types is presented. This data structure employs contour theory, variable harmonic scaling, temporal/iterative parameters, and stochastic noise. In order to tune these parameters, the laments and funeral music of the Csángó, a music rich with ornamentation and dense heterophony, is used both as a textural model and as a source of quantitative data. This model is implemented in the Python programming language and is integrated into the athenaCL composition system, an open-source, cross-platform program for algorithmic composition in Csound. It is shown that convincing heterophonic textures can result by the combination of algorithmic ornamentations of a single line. (Christopher Ariza, used with permission of the author.)