Working Memory and the Perception of Hierarchical Tonal Structures

This paper examines how the limitations of working memory affect the perception of hierarchical tonal structures. Within this context, it proposes some modifications to Lerdahl’s tonal tension model in order to better explain certain experimental data. Data from a study on the perception of musical tension were analyzed using regression analysis that took into account various parameters including harmonic tension, melodic contour, and onset frequency. Descriptions of how these features change over different time spans ranging from 0.25 to 20 seconds were used in an attempt to identify the best predictors of the general tension curve. The results indicate that change in harmony best fit the tension data when the time differential was between 10-12s, while other features best fit the data at a time differential of around 3s. This suggests that the memory of tonal regions is retained for a considerably longer period of time than is the case for other musical structures such as rhythm and melodic contour.