Toward a Symbolic Framework for Offline Algorithmic Audio

This article introduces bellplay~, an open-source symbolic framework and software environment for algorithmically generating audio offline—i.e., not in real time—originally developed for the realization of ludus vocalis, a 25-minute multimedia work for 8.1-channel audio and 4K video. bellplay~ was leveraged to craft the entire audio component of the work, as well as to generate control data for automating visual parameters in TouchDesigner. The article begins with a contextual and conceptual overview of the development of bellplay~, followed by a discussion of its software architecture, scripting language, and key functionalities. Its application in ludus vocalis is presented as a case study, and the article concludes by reflecting on its effectiveness as a pedagogical tool within a university-level course on computer-assisted algorithmic composition.