Algorithmic Arts

Genetic Music From DNA and Protein

The music on this page was composed algorithmically with Algorithmic Arts software from the raw genetic data that is available as free downloads on the internet (see Links).

Currently there are 3 CD albums available, with more to follow. On this page, you can either audition or download the full tracks as free .mp3 files.

To audition the .mp3 files below, click on the speaker icon; to download the files right click. Please note that all music files are copyrighted material and may not be redistributed.

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Dunn & Clark: Life Music (1998)

This is the first CD from an ongoing collaboration between myself and Biologist Dr. Mary Anne Clark, produced from the primary and secondary structure of protein sequences, using Algorithmic Arts' software. In each piece, pitch is determined by amino acid identity and instrumentation is chosen according to protein folding pattern, with different instruments representing regions of alpha-helix, beta-strands and turns. An article detailing this work has been published in Leonardo On Line. The title is: Life Music: The Sonification of Proteins.

1. *Beta-globin (Dunn 7:10)
2. Calmodulin(Clark 2:55) view image
3  3. Gamma Lens Crystallin (Clark 2:54) view image
4. Alcohol Dehydrogenase(Clark 5:03) view image
5. Lysozyme C(Clark 3:43)
6. Lysozyme C (Dunn 7:13)
7. Triose Phosphate Isomerase (Clark 6:36) view image
8. Spidroin(Clark 3:34)
9. Collagen (Dunn 13:56)

* Protein Notes by M.A. Clark

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John Dunn: Music from DNA (1995)

Music I created for the collaborative performances I have given during the first term of my RFA (Research Fellow in the Arts) appointment at the University of Michigan. The HIV DNA used in these performances are from a set of samples taken from an AIDS patient over a 4 year period. All selections were created with Algorithmic Arts software.

1. HIV DNA #007 (7:00)
2. HIV DNA #011 (10:32)
3. HIV DNA #110 (10:46)
4. HIV DNA #039 (5:41)
5. Frog Mitochondria DNA (9:3)
6. Alpha/Beta/Folding (10:47)

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John Dunn: Algorithmic Music (1992)

These are samples of DNA and brain wave music created with the early DOS versions of Algorithmic Arts software, with DNA algorithms developed in collaboration with University of Hawaii botanist DR K.W. Bridges.

Based on DNA data from the NIH GenBank:
1. Human Sex Hormone(9:10)
2. DNA of HIV (3:52)
3. Starfish (7:37)
4. Vampire Bat(3:06)
5. Slime Mold (5:00)
6. Sea Urchin (8:05)
7. Scorpion Stinger (2:34)
Based on Brain Waves:
8. Theta Music (15:16)

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