A local maximum phrase detection method for analyzing phrasing strategies in expressive performances

Abstract

This paper proposes a Local Maximum Phrase Detection (LMPD) method for the analysis of phrasing strategies in expressive performances. The LMPD method systematically extracts a quantitative representation of phrasing strategy by equating the occurrence of a local maximum in the loudness curve with the occurrence of a phrase or sub-phrase. We further define mathematical descriptors for phrase strength and volatility, and phrase typicality, for comparing phrasing strategies among performances. Phrase strength measures the prominence or clarity of a phrase, and the volatility is defined as the standard deviation of the phrase strengths within a performance. Phrase typicality quantifies the degree to which a phrase loudness peak location is characteristic among the performances polled. The ideas behind these descriptors extend to phrase information derived from tempo variation. We illustrate the LMPD method using preliminary results from its application to eleven commercially available audio recordings of a solo violin Bach Sonata. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.