Intermorphic appears to be one of the only companies currently actively “marketing” algorithmic composition. They market three such tools: a generative music application for desktops, one for mobile devices, and a generative lyrics tool. The programs are known as noatikl, mixtikl, and liptikl, respectively. Brian Eno, known as the father of ambient music, helped author the programs.

Considering that these make up a large portion of the algorithmic composition software that I have encountered so far, I think it would be wise for me to study them and learn how they operate. I have messed around briefly with noatikl already, and have found the following:

Pros of Noatikl

  • Clean interface
  • Well-structured generative process
  • Flexible, powerful scripting engine and ability to make “hyperinstruments”

Cons of Noatikl

  • While the interface is clean, it’s not altogether inviting to inexperienced users
  • Not powerful enough for genres outside of ambient

In short, Noatikl is a fairly well-implemented algorithmic composition program, but it lacks the power to break outside of the droning ambient genre, thus severely hindering its mass appeal.