Generate random melody along a given chord progression?

Question

I'm looking for a music software that is able to compose (random) solo melodies along a given chord progression using corresponding scales.

Addendum 1

The Mac software suggested by VAlexander looks very interesting and is certainly worth mentioning for future readers. Unfortunately, in my case it's the wrong platform. I forgot to mention that I am looking for a Windows, Linux, Android or web-based application or alternatively a java library.

It does not require a full-feature music sequencer. A smart little tool would be totally sufficient.

Addendum 2

The tool that I've found and described in my answer provides reasonable results, but I am still very interested in software, that addresses the same task with alternative concepts. I leave the question open therefore.

The output should be in MIDI format.

Answer 1

I have found the dinosaur: Impro-Visor. Here are my first experiences:

1. Setup

• be sure to have a 32-bit Java VM at hand; to avoid undesirable interaction with my previous installation, I used a Portable JRE

• to get rid of the Metal Look and Feel, you can add a line to impro-visor.vmoptions:

  -Dswing.defaultlaf=com.sun.java.swing.plaf.windows.WindowsLookAndFeel
  

2. Entering chord progression

• Impro-Visor has a handy quick input field, which shortcuts the whole clicking, selecting, pressing magic correction key combination process:
  
  

• to change the chords later, there is a source code editor:
  
  

• Basic settings about the accompaniment (style, instrument, volume) can be changed in the Preferences dialog:
  
  

3. Creating Melodies

• Now we select the part, we need a melody for and launch the lick generator from the menu:
  
  (Just for reassurance: the "Abstract melody" part shown, has not to be typed in)

  • melody and rhythm can be alternated independently
  • you can define the propability for whether a note is selected from the chord or the scale
  • pitch and intervals can be limited
  • etc.

• After some fiddling with the generator's grammar, here is a first result:
  
  

Drawbacks

• Impro-Visor mainly targets jazz improvisation, which is reflected in the available styles
• the GUI is a bit old-fashioned

At the first impression, the program looks quite useful. It offers significant opportunities, but significant learning curves as well.