Revisiting the Formation of Harmonic Progressions from the Perspective of Voice-Leading with Evolutionary Computation

This paper presents a study focused on observing and investigating the intricate process of harmonic progression formation, utilizing voice-leading as the primary driver and leveraging the computational capabilities of an evolutionary algorithm. By incorporating voice-leading principles and their derivative evaluation factors into evolutionary computation, we aim to harness computational advantages to unlock the latent creative potential inherent in the evolution of harmonic progressions. The experimental outcomes reveal that, contrary to traditional beliefs, voice-leading alone can yield intriguing harmonic progressions. The results challenge the boundaries of functional harmony, showcasing the adaptability and creative potential of the proposed computational framework. Notably, the exploration of six-four chord applications deviates from traditional pedagogical norms, demonstrating the rich possibilities unlocked by delving into the foundational forces shaping harmonic progressions. Audible sound files for the six-voice outcomes along with further realizations by a human composer of the obtained harmonic progressions are provided to offer a direct experience of this computational approach. Through these endeavors, this work not only contributes to setting the groundwork for a comprehensive compositional algorithm but also underscores the significance of voice-leading as a foun-dational force in shaping musical expression. Furthermore, we acknowledge the potential for future exploration, which includes investigating diverse harmonic landscapes as well as various musical styles and genres.