Index Grammars, Music and Formal Languages This article series explores unusual territory: where formal language theory meets algorithmic music. The common thread is BP2SC, a transpiler that converts musical grammars from Bol Processor into SuperCollider patterns. Each article is designed to be accessible without academic prerequisites, yet rigorous enough to serve as a reference. The […]
Glossary of Formal Languages & Compilation
Comprehensive glossary of terms in language theory, compilation, and formal semantics. Clear definitions with links to explanatory articles.
B10) The EBNF of BP3
Discover BP3’s formal EBNF grammar, a first! Complete spec (~83 productions) of the musical language syntax. Essential for any parser.
B9) Time-objects
BP3 time-objects go beyond music! Discover how this temporal grammar organizes sounds, videos, robotics, and granular synthesis. A universal multimedia composition tool.
I2) Bol Processor
Discover the **Bol Processor**, Bernard Bel’s musical grammar system. Explore its impact on polymetry, Indian music, and algorithmic composition.
B12) The Three Times of BP3
Explore BP3’s three time levels: Boulez’s *smooth time* and the `_tempo()` operator. Understand these musical time concepts in algorithmic composition and their significance.
B8) Two Directions, Three Modes
Explore BP3 modes (PROD, ANAL, TEMP): generate, analyze, and explore music with a single grammar. Master this unique bidirectionality.
B2) Alphabets, terminals, and non-terminals
Master the key concepts of formal grammars with BP3: alphabets, terminals, and non-terminals. Essential for creating your algorithmic music!
B1) PCFG
Discover **Probabilistic Context-Free Grammars (PCFG)**: assign probabilities to rules to generate varied, controlled music or text. Essential for BP3!
B3) Derivation Rules
Discover the 7 BP3 derivation modes and how these strategies transform a grammar into a dynamic and expressive musical generator. Master musical generation.