Compositions Utilizing Fractal Flame
Algorithms

Abstract

“Music, by its very abstract nature, is the first of the arts to have attempted
reconciliation of artistic creation with scientific thought”
– Xenakis, 1992

This portfolio explores how the iterative and recursive processes employed within
fractal flame algorithms can be used to create new and aesthetically pleasing
micro and macro sounds from which coherent compositions can be created. A
variety of existing electronic compositional procedures, including wave-set
substitution and granular synthesis, as well as a number of classical compositional
practices, such as hocketing, are deployed to generate a complex and diverse set
of compositions. The portfolio shows how marrying these sound manipulating
techniques and compositional processes with the sonic events produced by the
unexplored field of fractal flame algorithms has allowed me to generate – in the
words of Iannis Xenakis – ‘sounds that have never existed before’. The portfolio
shows the creative potential fractal flame programs have for electronic music
generation and how they offer a terra nova (new earth) upon which computergenerated
music can lay down solid foundations and expand in new directions to
harvest exciting results.