Fugue Composition with Counterpoint Melody Generation Using Genetic Algorithms

This paper presents the results of implementing and evaluating a genetic algorithm to assist in the task of automatic counterpoint generation. In particular, a fugue subject was used as an input for the system, while the generated counterpoint melody was to act as the countersubject. The genetic algorithm was tested with two different input melodies, and a basic set of rules for fitness evaluation. Within this domain, the results were satisfactory. Finally, the suitability of genetic algorithms for the task of rule-based melody generation, as well as possible future work and enhancements to the implemented system, are also reviewed and discussed.