Research

My research has been devoted largely to algorithmic composition. In 1992 at the University of York I conceived the notion of a real-time algorithmic composition language to support the work Ross Kirk and I were involved with at that time - the MIDAS system. The result was Tabula Vigilans, which, in the absence of MIDAS, was written with a MIDI interface. This was essentially completed by 1994. Since then there have been a number of additions, some facilitated by John Fitch. Current development of the program (2007) is geared towards integration with the full range of Composers’ Desktop sound-processing programs, making the possibility of creating complete electro-acoustic compositions within Tabula Vigilans a viable prospect..

Tabula Vigilans has been used to create a wide variety of applications, including some for real-time interactive performance by chance means using the movement of an audience-group with sensors, and for concert performance (e.g. my works Gloria and Timeshadows). In 2003 I turned my attention to algorithmic score-composition, and developed ScoreBuilder, and later a graphic front-end to ScoreBuilder which I called FormBuilder. The first release of FormBuilder from this website was made available in June, 2006.

Publications

· Orton, R. and Kirk, P.R. (1992) 'Tabula Vigilans.' Proceedings of the International Computer Music Conference 1992 pp 243-246. San Francisco: International Computer Music Association.

· Orton, R. (1993) 'Musical Applications of the tabular manipulations in Tabula Vigilans'. Chroma, Journal of the Australian Computer Music Association.

· Kirk, R., Orton, R. et al. (1994) 'Evolution of Timbres through the use of Tabula Vigilans on the MIDAS system.' Contemporary Music Review, Vol. 10 part 2, ed. Simon Emmerson pp 201-209. Harwood Academic Publishers, Switzerland, 1994.

· Orton, R. (1996) 'Design Strategies for Algorithmic Composition'. Contemporary Music Review, Vol. 15, Parts 3-4, pp. 39-48. Harwood Academic Publishers, Amsterdam, 1996.

· Orton, R. (1998) 'Choice and Chance in Algorithmic Composition'. Paper delivered at the Workshop on Compositional Use of Computers, University of Limerick, 1998.