These sources treat music as structure that can be analyzed or modeled. This page lists four sources, oldest first where dated.
Thread on modes and scales (Bluesky)
The thread answers a post saying that scales, modes and keys are confusing. It gives a mathematical definition. It then argues that modes are best learned over a drone or chord.
I Analyzed Chord Progressions in 680k Songs
Chris Dalla Riva explores the Chordonomicon dataset of chord progressions scraped from Ultimate-Guitar. The free preview covers the dataset's origin, basic definitions and a first chart. The rest of the post is behind a paywall.
Post on Hugo Riemann and geometric music theory (Bluesky)
The post notes that Hugo Riemann, unrelated to Bernhard Riemann, wrote on music geometrically. It quotes another post by the same account, which carries an image. The image was not viewed, so its content is unknown.
PLUM Language List
The page is a flat list of entries, one per language or system. Each entry gives a platform, an implementer, a year, an author and often a description. It spans early mainframe synthesis programs through MIDI scripting languages to modern live-coding tools. It offers no argument, only catalogue records.
Glossary
- Acoustic compiler
- A program that turns a text description into a finished sound file.
- Algorithmic composition
- Making music by writing rules or programs that generate notes.
- Chord progression
- A sequence of chords played one after another in a piece of music.
- Cyclic group Z12
- The twelve pitch classes treated as a loop, so twelve steps return to the start.
- Dataset
- A structured collection of data gathered for analysis.
- Drone
- A sustained note or notes held under the music.
- Geometric music theory
- Music theory that models chords and scales as points and shapes in a space.
- Manifold
- A mathematical space that looks flat when seen up close, such as a sphere's surface.
- MIDI
- A standard way for electronic instruments and computers to exchange note and control data.
- Mode
- A scale heard from a different starting note, with its own character against the harmony.
- Music-N
- A family of sound synthesis languages that descend from Max Mathews's MUSIC programs.
- Ultimate-Guitar
- A website where users post chord charts and tabs for songs.
- Unit generator
- A basic building block, such as an oscillator or filter, wired into larger sounds.
- Vamp
- A short chord pattern repeated while a player improvises.