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Exploring the foundations of tonality: statistical cognitive modeling of modes in the history of Western classical music

The Arts

Exploring the foundations of tonality: statistical cognitive modeling of modes in the history of Western classical music

D. Harasim, F. C. Moss, et al.

Dive into the intriguing evolution of tonality in Western classical music through an extensive analysis of 13,000 MIDI-format pieces. This groundbreaking research by Daniel Harasim, Fabian C. Moss, Matthias Ramirez, and Martin Rohrmeier reveals how modes have changed from the Renaissance to the 19th century.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study investigates the historical development of tonality in Western classical music, focusing on the concept of mode. Using a large dataset of approximately 13,000 MIDI-format pieces, two models—a geometric model and a Bayesian model—were developed to infer the number and characteristics of modes across different historical periods. The geometric model identifies the optimal number of modes, while the Bayesian model infers their characteristics. Results indicate four modes in the Renaissance, two (major and minor) in the Baroque and Classical eras, and no clear modal separation in the 19th century.
Publisher
Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
Published On
Jan 04, 2021
Authors
Daniel Harasim, Fabian C. Moss, Matthias Ramirez, Martin Rohrmeier
Tags
tonality
Western classical music
modes
historical development
MIDI
geometric model
Bayesian model
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