Markov analysis

In TUNING Digest 743, Brian McLaren mentions, among other things,
"Markov-chain analysis": "...produces junk when you use it to analyze a
piece of music and then compose an algorithmic piece. ... ."

I don't question that there is something in his claim, but I would be
grateful if someone could explain what Markov-chain analysis is. Are we
perhaps talking about calculating the probabilities (relative
frequencies) of the various melodic intervals in a sample piece?

I'm attempting a study of mathematical applications in music, and this is
one I hadn't heard of (at least by that name). Maybe someone can point me
to a suitable reference or say who has used this technique.

Paul Turner

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