Harmoniat

Harmoniat is a term used in music theory and computational composition to denote a model, method, or tool intended to analyze, represent, or generate harmonic structure in music. In theoretical discussions it may refer to a framework for assessing harmonic coherence across a piece as well as to software implementations that automate chord selection and progression planning.

The origin of the word harmoniat is uncertain; it is sometimes described as a neologism combining harmonia with a suffix suggesting instrument or method. In some treatments it is treated as a generic label for any approach that emphasizes harmonic balance rather than a single fixed theory.

In theory, harmoniat posits that tonal stability emerges from balancing consonant and dissonant sonorities over time. It formalizes this as a scoring function that evaluates a chord sequence relative to the key and melody, rewarding smooth voice leading and predictable cadences while penalizing abrupt shifts.

In computational practice, harmoniat systems treat chord progression as an optimization problem. They may use constraint satisfaction, probabilistic models, or search algorithms to maximize the harmony score under constraints such as voice leading, range limits, and stylistic guidelines. Outputs can include chord charts or fully automated passages.

The concept appears in speculative music theory and experimental AI music literature. It is not a standardized framework and is not widely adopted as a single theory; rather, it describes a family of approaches that emphasize harmonic coherence.

An illustrative example is a harmoniat-guided progression that preserves an existing melody while selecting chords to create stepwise root motion and stable cadences within a defined scale.