Assemblage is a freeform score editor (and sequencer) inspired by John Cage's Bracket Notation system. Cage used brackets to indicate flexible time windows where events could occur, embracing chance and indeterminacy in composition.
Cage's Bracket Concept: In Cage's graphic scores, brackets represent time brackets—flexible containers where musical events can float freely within specified time ranges. This allows performers interpretive freedom while maintaining structural boundaries.
How to Use:
1. Drag & Drop
Drag symbols from left panel to timeline
2. Adjust Duration
Drag bracket corners to change length
3. Move Brackets
Drag anywhere on bracket to move it
4. Multi-Select
Ctrl+Click or Shift+Click multiple brackets
5. Copy/Paste
Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V with brackets selected
6. MIDI Notes
Select bracket, press N, choose notes/channel
7. Per-Bracket MIDI
Each bracket has its own volume, pan, channel
8. MIDI Panel (M)
Toggle MIDI controls with M key
9. Audio Samples
Right-click symbols to load audio files
10. Export Audio
Export entire composition as WAV file
11. Generate Scores
Create random scores using algorithms
12. MIDI Scale Generation
Generate brackets with notes from scales
13. MIDI Randomization
Randomize channels, volumes, panning
14. Reverb & Effects
Add reverb to audio playback
15. Undo/Redo
Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Shift+Z or Ctrl+Y
MIDI Features:
Per-Bracket MIDI Controls:
- Individual Volume (0-127)
- Individual Pan (0-127)
- MIDI Channel (1-16)
- Multiple Notes per Bracket
- Note Octave Selection
Scale Generation:
- 25+ Scales (Major, Minor, Enigmatic, Whole Tone and more)
- Test different Scales after Note Generation
- Change Scale per Bracket, Selection of All
MIDI Randomization in Generation:
- Randomize Channels (2-16 channels)
- Randomize Volumes (custom range)
- Randomize Pan (different panning modes)
- Notes per Bracket (1-4 notes)
- PER COLOR MIDI Channel when Random Color is On
Symbol Categories:
Descriptions are based on personal conceptual assosiations.
Adjust to your imagination.
Low: Deep frequency textures
Noise: Surface noise & granular textures
Pitch: Pitch contours & melodic topographies
Temporal: Rhythmic structures & patterns
Sustain: Continuous sounds & evolving textures
Texture: Physical & surface characteristics
Process: Conceptual & procedural ideas
Custom: Create your own symbols
DMT:
Switch between deterministic & random playback modes.
Checked: Samples start at the beginning of a bracket
Checked: If more than 1 repeatition, playback is divided equally within the time length of a bracket
Unchecked: Samples play randomly within the time period of a bracket
Generation Methods:
Markov Chain: Probabilistic transitions
Lorenz Attractor: Chaotic system patterns
Rossler Attractor: Simpler chaotic system
Cellular Automata: Based on Rule 110
MIDI Notes: Scale-based note generation
Density Control: Adjust bracket density (10-100%)
Random Colors: Choose color palette size
Spins & Intensity: Include random rotation
Hint > Color Intensity: Connected to Sample Volume & MIDI Velocity
Created by Dimitris Barnias for ihearcolors.online 2026.