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The program is based on the theories of Stephen Wolfram, whose company Wolfram Research makes the leading maths software, Mathematica. Working with software engineer Peter Overmann, Wolfram developed an application that converts cellular automata - described by Nature as a mathematical model that can be used to mimic natural states - into a musical score.

The resultant website, WolframTones, generates 30-second long compositions from a range of styles, by matching automata patterns to the typical features of the required style, whether it is hip hop or jazz, classical or experimental.

The 30 second limit has been imposed to restrict the load on the server but the developers hope to increase this in future. They also hope to add iPod support along with the ability to download music in formats other than MIDI.