Accession Number:

AD0610597

Title:

THE MEASUREMENT OF VOCALIC AND TONAL CONTEXTS.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept., pt. 1.

Corporate Author:

NEW YORK UNIV N Y DATA PROCESSING AND COMPUTATION LAB

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1964-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

8.0

Abstract:

A mathematical model has been developed that defines a collection of sets each of which can be used to measure the distance between any pair of a given finite set of points in such manner that the distance, as defined by a procedure for counting points on the measuring set, is invariant under translation of such measuring set. A circular model has been applied to the perception of tones in context, and a Gestalt theory of perception results from the interpretation. Predictions suitable for experimental verification or refutation of the model are provided by the results of computations performed. These results are in accord with the musical materials and practices of all the cultures thus far examined. Previously unexplained peculiarities of Balinese music are accounted for. Discrepancies between Indian musical theory and practice are explained. Examination of other non-Western musical cultures lends further support to the theory.

Descriptors:

• *PERCEPTION
• MUSIC
• MUSIC
• SET THEORY
• MEASURE THEORY
• ALGEBRA
• COMBINATORIAL ANALYSIS
• PATTERN RECOGNITION
• MATHEMATICAL PREDICTION
• PITCH DISCRIMINATION
• LANGUAGE
• SPEECH
• COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE