Information distribution within musical segments

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

9 Scopus Citations
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Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)218-242
Journal / PublicationMusic Perception
Volume34
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2016

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Abstract

In research on word recognition, it has been shown that word beginnings have higher information content forword identification than word endings; this asymmetric information distribution within words has been argued to be due to the communicative pressure to allow words in speech to be recognized as early as possible. Through entropy analysis using two representative datasets from Wikifonia and the Essen folksong corpus, we show that musical segments also have higher information content (i.e., higher entropy) in segment beginnings than endings. Nevertheless, this asymmetry was not as dramatic as that found within words, and the highest information content was observed in the middle of the segments (i.e., an inverted U pattern). This effect may be because the first and last notes of a musical egment tend to be tonally stable, with more flexibility in the first note for providing the initial context. The asymmetric information distribution within words has been shown to be an important factor accounting for various asymmetric effects in word reading, such as the left-biased preferred viewing location and optimal viewing position effects. Similarly, the asymmetric information distribution within musical segments is a potential factor that can modulate music reading behavior and should not be overlooked.

Research Area(s)

  • Entropy analysis, Information distribution, Music reading, Musical segments, Optimal viewing position

Citation Format(s)

Information distribution within musical segments. / Chan, Antoni B.; Hsiao, Janet H.
In: Music Perception, Vol. 34, No. 2, 01.12.2016, p. 218-242.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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