Dynamic pattern structure in music: Recent theory and research

Abstract

Recent theory and research addressed to dynamic pattern structure in music is reported. Dynamic pattern structure refers to the ways in which rhythm and melody combine; it is summarized here in terms of the construct of joint accent structure. Properties of joint accent structures involving accent couplings and time symmetries are used to address standard psychological issues of pattern similarity and pattern simplicity as they are realized in musical tasks. In particular, experimental work on melody recognition reveals the importance of formalizations concerning dynamic pattern similarities, and other research on reproductions of music-like patterns reveals the potential of a time-based approach to dynamic pattern simplicity. © 1987 Psychonomic Society, Inc.