Consonance Flashcards
1
Q
Define CONSONANCE
A
The perceived, subjective ‘pleasantness’ of a combination of pitches (chord)
2
Q
What are the three theories of consonance perception?
A
Periodicity/Harmonicity
Interference between partials
Cultural familiarity
3
Q
Explain the HARMONICITY THEORY OF CONSONANCE
A
- Frequency components in simple ratios with are harmonics that are integer multiples of a common fundamental frequency line up neatly when spectrally superimposed
- This creates a clear harmonic template that is easier for the brain to process
4
Q
Explain the PERIODICITY THEORY OF CONSONANCE
A
- The periods of pitches with simpler frequency ratios line up closely and more often than complex frequency ratios do
- This creates a clearer template that is easier for the brain to process
5
Q
Explain how INTERFERENCE BETWEEN PARTIALS is involved in consonance perception
A
The idea that consonance is the absence of dissonance via BEATING and MASKING
6
Q
Explain BEATING; give the region in which this typically occurs
A
- Perceptual roughness occurs when there is a close difference between sine waves
- Periodic waves forms do not neatly overlap which is difficult for the brain to process (template matching)
- typically around 20/30Hz
7
Q
Explain MASKING
A
- Dissonance caused by the brain’s inability to distinguish between partials that are close together and stimulate overlapping regions on the basilar membrane within the same critical band
- Components do not neatly overlap which is difficult for the brain to process (template matching)
8
Q
Which theories of consonance perception are more likely
A
- Periodicity/Harmonicity and interference between partials predict that simple integer frequency ratios are more consonant
- When tone spectra are stretched, modelling for interference is retained but P/H does not hold up
- Non-Western ears have a different conception of consonance, implying feedback loop of familiarity; perhaps the template matching process is also culturally instilled
