The central purpose of this study was to provide empirical data to support or reject the aural significance of Forte's pitch-class set relations of equivalence, Z-related pairs, and similarity. After demonstrating the central role of these relations in forte's analytical system, a literature survey provided comments concerning the relations and outlined the similarity function of Charles Lord which was included in this study. / For each of a series of 39 experimental items, two pairs of harmonically presented tetrachords, related by a measure defined by one or both of the theoretical systems involved, were constructed. A given chord was presented alternately with two different chords with one pair consistently representing a higher relation. Subjects were asked to choose "which pair sounds more alike." Special characteristics of the items included: (a) emphasis on interval-class content, (b) omission of traditional structures, (c) control of contrapuntal connections between the chords, and (d) control for random presentation. / Seven PLATO('(REGTM)) IV terminals, equipped with Gooch Synthetic Woodwind digital music synthesizers, presented the experiment to the subjects. Special features of the computer program written for this study included: (a) controlled access, (b) touch input, and (c) visual reinforcement of the aural presentation of the items. During 3 months of availability, 215 subjects began the experiment; 198 completed it. / The sample (N = 198) was divided into groups determined by questions regarding background and education. Chi-square was calculated for 6 comparisons of the 39 items to determine significant differences in the manner of response. H(,o) (which stated the proportion of responses in accord with the theories would be equal for the groups compared) was not rejected for any comparison (in each case, p > .001). To determine items with significant levels of response, 99.9% confidence intervals were calculated for the proportion of responses in accord with the theories. H(,o) (p = .5) was rejected for 5 items, 3 of which were in accord with the theories. After concluding that harmonically presented tetrachords, constructed to emphasize interval-class content, do not present degrees of aural similitude that correlate to the degrees of relatedness defined by the theories examined, suggestions were provided for further study. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 44-11, Section: A, page: 3199. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1983.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_75205 |
| Contributors | GIBSON, DON B., JR., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 141 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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