Orchidea: a comprehensive framework for target-based computer-assisted dynamic orchestration

Abstract

This paper has two different aims: presenting the problem of target-based computer-assisted orchestration and introducing a new computational framework to solve it, called Orchidea. After the definition of the static and the dynamic versions of the problem, a historic perspective will be discussed. The cultural context of assisted orchestration will be examined, with particular attention being given to spectral music. In the second half of the paper, the Orchidea framework for dynamic target-based computer-assisted orchestration will be introduced and discussed in detail. After the discussion of the design principles and the philosophy behind this framework, all its components will be studied. Finally, possible steps for the future of computer-assisted orchestration will be presented.