Computer-Assisted Automatic Harmonization Processes: A Synchronic Analysis of the Main Musical Tools

Current computer tools aimed at the process of automatically harmonizing melodies have been reported here. These tools were divided into two lines of description: Plug-ins and Programs. It was observed that Plug-Ins are small lines of instruction inserted inside software that have more generic functions, while Programs are more robust lines of instruction that are designed solely for the purpose of enabling the harmonic automation of melodies. In order to carry out the research, searches were made using the keyword “automatic harmonization” on platforms, such as ResearchGate (RG), SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Academia.edu, Google Scholar and other databases. After selecting the most relevant computational harmonization tools, it was found that the results obtained were derived from different mathematical methods. In order to verify the efficiency of an automatic process of accessible harmonizers, a manually harmonized authorial melody was used to compare the subsequent computer harmonization processes performed by the internal Sibelius Plug-ins and Band-in-a-box. It was found that all of them can generate convincing harmonies that give different meanings to the melody. The results were briefly discussed, so that they could serve as a reference for composers and arrangers interested in the subject.