aleatory
Definitions
from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- null (adj) Literally, depending upon the throw of a die; hence, depending on a contingent event.
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
- adjective (adj) In music, using sounds chosen by the performer or left to chance.
Examples
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Merely 'aleatory' decision -- by actual use of dice -- he rejects as illicit, though towards the close of the book one of its most delectable episodes ends in his excusing Mr. Justice Bridoye for settling law cases in that way.
A History of the French Novel, Vol. 1 From the Beginning to 1800
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While John Cage's aleatory music attracts reverence in academic circles, it can terrify the layman. But Joan Retallack claims Musicage: Cage Muses on Words*Art*Music, her new book of interviews with the 20th century's most inventive composer, is for everyone.
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Aleatory music should last for a few days, Minimalism a couple of weeks. What will last longer, I believe, is electronic music, or electro-acoustic music.
Will Crutchfield, ‘Messiaen Hears Himself, Through Long Ago,' The New York Times, January 7, 1988
Note
This word comes from the Latin ‘aleator,’ gambler.
