Live Playground
Interactive pattern grid with real-time audio
A powerful framework for algorithmic and generative music. Build compositions using functional patterns, explore music theory, and create music impossible on physical instruments.
Built for developers who explore music through code
Build music using composable, immutable patterns inspired by TidalCycles. Transform patterns with fast(), slow(), retrograde(), and more.
Express complex rhythms and melodies with concise syntax. Support for repetition, rests, subdivisions, and Euclidean rhythms.
Perfect for performances with instant hot-reload and graceful audio transitions. Edit patterns in real-time without clicks or pops.
Branded types prevent unit mixing (Hz vs BPM) at compile time. Catch musical mistakes before runtime with TypeScript.
Interactive debug panel with transport inspector, pattern analyzer, and performance monitor for real-time insights.
Extensible renderer system for audio playback, WAV export, MIDI files, and custom visualizations.
Write music with the expressiveness of code
// Create a pattern with mini-notation
const melody = pattern()
.fromNotation('C4 E4 G4 C5')
.build();
// Transform it functionally
const transformed = melody
.transpose(5) // Up 5 semitones
.retrograde() // Reverse
.fast(2); // Double speed
// Play it
await play(transformed);
// Generate algorithmic rhythms
const kick = Pattern
.euclidean(16, 4) // 4 hits in 16 steps
.transpose(36); // MIDI C2
const snare = Pattern
.euclidean(16, 5, 3) // Rotated
.transpose(38);
// Combine patterns
const drums = kick.stack(snare);
// Conditional transformations
const evolving = pattern()
.fromNotation('C4 E4 G4')
.every(4, p => p.rev())
.every(8, p => p.transpose(7))
.build();
// Stack patterns vertically
const harmony = melody
.stack(melody.transpose(4))
.stack(melody.transpose(7));
import { MidiRenderer } from '@contour/plugins/midi';
// Render to MIDI file
const renderer = new MidiRenderer();
await renderer.initialize({});
const result = await renderer
.render(composition);
fs.writeFileSync('song.mid', result.data);
Modern tools for the best developer experience
Interactive pattern grid with real-time audio