Anton — A Rule-Based Composition System

We investigate the use of declarative logic programming in the automated composition of music. We show that it is possible to use Answer Set Programming (ASP) to create {\em ab initio} short musical pieces that are both melodic and harmonic and have an appropriate rhythmic structure based on Farey series. Our system, Anton, named in honour of our favourite composer of the second Viennese School, is presented as both a design and as a practical working system, showing that rule-based declarative systems can be used effectively. We report on our experience in using ASP in this system, and indicate a number of potentially exciting directions in which this system could develop, both musically and computationally.