RESEARCH
Previous research activity
My current research began at the Sibelius Academy in 1988, as the theory part of my doctoral (LicMus) studies. The overarching research project, CalmusAutomata, is based on developing and constructing a composition program for real-time composing and performing, for both traditional and digital instruments, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques. The program is constructed for various musical genres and deals with the musical problems that occur in music, while providing special tools and options to handle them. The system includes various probability and random algorithms, Markov chains, both analytical and generative Artificial Intelligent functions, and analytical machine learning. The program is capable of analysing musical input material from different aspects such as melodic complexity, harmony according to colour, harmonic relations, rhythm, tempo, etc., and composing music according to the result of these analyses.
The Calmus system is in two parts: the analytical part and the generative part. The input material is analysed according to content and the result is used to adjust the system for composing music accordingly.
Analytical machine learning Generate – Compose
All functions are linked together through the center of Calmus (brain) to control the melody constructions, musical development, polyphonic structure, and harmony progression of a composition. The program has been constructed and developed through both compositional experiments and exercises as well as compositions of different origin. It is a composing system controlled with input material from the composer through MIDI instruments, iPad and body gestures (Kinect, sensors).
Among research topics/fields
Developing AI analytical functions for cell creation, cell complexity, melodic development, scales, excluded melodic intervals,
Developing AI analytical functions for algorithmic evaluation of harmony according to colour, tension and harmonic (overtone) relations and harmony progression of a composition.
Developing AI generative functions for melody construction with metamorphosis options
Developing AI generative functions for harmony control with metamorphosis options
The use of Artificial intelligence – to control overall development and metamorphose in melodic construction and harmony development.
Mapping of gestures (sensors) to controlling message for the system (CalmusWaves)
The research outcomes to date are:
CalmusPlay - iOS apps:
CalmusPlay is an iOS game that composes music exclusively for your unique self from a combination of your zodiac sign, your favourite colour, the complexity of your personality, your main interest, and distinguishing features of your home country. Using Artificial Intelligence CALMUS Play composes music based on this information for your unique self in merely seconds. www.calmus.is/play
CalmusPlay is an iOS game that composes music exclusively for your unique self from a combination of your zodiac sign, your favourite colour, the complexity of your personality, your main interest, and distinguishing features of your home country. Using Artificial Intelligence CALMUS Play composes music based on this information for your unique self in merely seconds. www.calmus.is/play
CalmusNotation - iOS apps:
CalmusPlay and CalmusComposer are connected to GraphicalNotation through WiFi local network – representing the notes composed in CalmusComposer and CalmusPlay in real-time as a graphical notation. www.calmus.is/notation
CalmusRemote - iOS apps:
CalmusRemote for remotely control CalmusComposer and for the participation of the audience in the compositional process. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJmmVy-y4-E
Calmus Composer (MacOS) enables you to compose music in real time during the compositional process and performances. Using this software you can develop and control the progression of the music in accordance to other factors, such as the atmosphere and reactions of the audience. CALMUS Composer includes various compositional tools to modify and transfer individual musical objects using both traditional and contemporary composition tools and methods for traditional and electronic instruments. It is constructed for contemporary music and addresses musical problems that occur in music, providing functions and options to handle them by using Artificial Intelligence. www.calmus.is/composer
Further research outcomes:
Peer reviewed article: CalmusWaves – Where Dancers Compose Music in Real time (2017) Proceedings ICMC 2017. To view article click here
CD: Miniatures - short and simple compositions from CalmusComposer - released in 2018. www.calmus.is/pagecd
Dance production: CalmusWaves - a Nordic music and dance project
http://erkitonlist.is/what-is-calmus-waves/
https://vimeopro.com/brianfitzgibbon/calmus
—> Password: speriamo
Premiered at Reykjavik Arts Festival 2016
Performed at ICMC in Shanghai 2016 Art Festival 2016.
Premiered on RÚV TV in Iceland in March 2017.
CalmusPlay released on AppStore iOS) 2014 http://erkitonlist.is/calmus-play-2/
CalmusNotation released on AppStore iOS) 2015
CalmusRemote released on AppStore (iOS) 2016
CalmusComposer released on AppStore (MacOS) 2018
Current research
CalmusVST is a plug-in that works on all platforms. In all music software that supports VST and AU (Audio Unit) it can be used to compose music directly into the host program (logicPro, Reaper,etc). It will be released in March 2020.
CalmusGaming (PC ) CALMUS Gaming is an innovative tool for creating and controlling music within computer games. The system is tailor-made for the fast-growing market of massive multi-player online computer games (MMO) such as EVE Online and is the only music program that offers the possibility to create soundscapes in real time within the virtual reality of MMO games. CALMUS Gaming is based upon the combined research and collaboration of highly experienced specialists in the fields of technology, computer games, and musical composition and developed in collaboration with CCP - the makers of EVE Online.
It will be released in August 2020
