Exploring Rameau and beyond: A corpus study of root progression theories

Abstract

This study empirically explores root progression theories as a differentiator between tonal and pre-tonal music with a statistical corpus analysis of Palestrina Madrigals and Bach Chorales. Results found some quantitative evidence in the corpora for Rameau's rule-based root progression theory and Meeus' symmetry between "dominant" and " subdominant" root progressions. Further investigation revealed statistically significant differences between the underlying structures of the corpora, suggesting the cycle of fifths as fundamental to tonal music. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.