Cognitive foundations of harmonic functionality
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17230/ricercare.2014.1.2Keywords:
tonal harmony, musical expectations, harmonic functions, levels of functionality, experimental psychology, cognitive psychology, schemesAbstract
This exploratory study addresses the problem of the levels of harmonic functionality in the tonal system. Specifically, we attempt to define whether it is appropriate to propose a model in which several chords can play the role of tonic, dominant or subdominant, grouped hierarchically in four levels as suggested by Yepes (2011). In order to approach this objective, we used experimental psychology methods, seeking to establish whether listeners perceive different levels of functionality and if musical training affects this perception. Thus, we obtained numerical valuations from various subjects who evaluated how expected or unexpected was the last chord of a cadence. There were five different types of resolution: I, vi, iii and IV6, corresponding to the levels of the tonic function, and bII6, corresponding to a Neapolitan chord misused which served as a control condition. The results suggest that listeners can differentiate and perceive hierarchically the four levels of functionality proposed and that musical training enhances the ability to discriminate between levels.Downloads
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