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[Fooj]

Listen to this first, a sample piece by Howell.

Now for the twist:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Emily Howell is a computer program. Read.

At one Santa Cruz concert, the program notes neglected to mention that Emily Howell wasn’t a human being, and a chemistry professor and music aficionado in the audience described the performance of a Howell composition as one of the most moving experiences of his musical life. Six months later, when the same professor attended a lecture of Cope’s on Emily Howell and heard the same concert played from a recording, Cope remembers him saying, “You know, that’s pretty music, but I could tell absolutely, immediately that it was computer-composed. There’s no heart or soul or depth to the piece.”

That sentiment — present in many recent articles, blog posts and comments about Emily Howell — frustrates Cope. “Most of what I’ve heard [and read] is the same old crap,” he complains. “It’s all about machines versus humans, and ‘aren’t you taking away the last little thing we have left that we can call unique to human beings — creativity?’ I just find this so laborious and uncreative.”

[Armok]

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I love this stuff. Not just algorithmic composition, but AI stuff in general. This is certanly as good as anything human to my ears.

[Earthquake Damage]

I didn't listen to the entire song, but certainly the first half seems a bit lacking.  The notes start crisply and end a bit abruptly (IMO they should trail off a bit longer, esp. those first few notes).  Knowing beforehand it's computer-controlled, I can see it (well, hear it).  Otherwise, I probably would've just thought the performer needs more practice.  On the other hand, I'm not overly fond of piano music (unless you count Brubeck, but that should go without saying).

[Fooj]

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Knowing beforehand it's computer-controlled, I can see it (well, hear it).

Well, the idea was that you listen to it first without knowing, then listen to it again after knowing. Also, aren't spoilers in order for people who don't know?

[Heron TSG]

Even before I read the spoiler, I thought the song had been written by something inhuman. Not because it was horrible, but because there was no rhythm or progression. The piece itself isn't horrible, but it is easily forgotten and superficial, as you can't keep time with it.

[Fooj]

The piece itself isn't horrible, but it is easily forgotten and superficial, as you can't keep time with it.

We need Emily on Guitar for DF regardless, because that's perfect for DF anyway.

[winner]

Not bad but not great either.  I suppose that means we've found an algorithmic replacement for elevator music.