Melody and rhythm through network visualization techniques

Abstract

Halfway between music analysis and graph visualization, we propose tonal pitch representations from the chromatic scale. On the first part of the experiment, a 12-node graph is connected as a Rhythm Network and visualized with a Circular Layout, commonly known as Pitch constellation. This particular graph topology focuses on node structure and gives strength to weak edges. At this occasion, we unveil the Singularity Threshold, giving an opportunity to isolate structure from singular parts of melodies. Where usual Pitch constellations focus on chords, we focus on successive pitch intervals. On the second part, we propose a rhythm representation using a Force-Directed layout. In addition to structural information, our second technique shows proximal and peripheral elements. This experiment features 6 melodies that we propose to visualize using Gephi.