Pulse, Pattern, Permutation: Applying Schillinger’s Pulse Interference in Computer-Assisted Composition

Published

11-9-2025

Type of Work

Conference Presentation

Abstract

This paper examines Joseph Schillinger's mathematical system for musical composition, specifically its application in generating rhythmic patterns and scales. Developed in the 1940s, Schillinger's method uses permutations, combinations, and algebraic processes to create intricate musical structures. We illustrate how Schillinger's "pulse interference of integers" can derive diverse rhythmic patterns and generate unique modal scales by applying similar principles to musical intervals. The techniques are implemented within a Pure Data environment, translating mathematical concepts into MIDI data for compositional and real-time manipulation of harmonic and melodic elements.

Citation

Brown, A., & Chechelashvili, D. (2025, September 12). Pulse, pattern, permutation: Applying Schillinger’s pulse interference in computer-assisted composition. Proceedings of the First Conference on Algorithmic Patterns in the Creative Arts. https://2025.algorithmicpattern.org/proceedings/CTBWJB/paper.html

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