Statistics in Musicology (eBook)

The study of music by means of mathematics dates back centuries, however applications of statistical methods to questions in musicology and performance research are still very rare. The advent of 'intelligent' music software, computer digitization, and other advanced techniques and technologies has precipitated the need for standard statistical models to answer fundamental musicological questions. Statistics in Musicology offers an unprecedented introduction to statistical and mathematical methods developed for use in music analysis, music theory, and performance theory.This unique book explores concrete methods for data generation and numerical encoding of musical data. It addresses topics ranging from simple descriptive statistics to formal modeling by parametric and nonparametric processes. Self-contained chapters present methods in one of two categories: classical methods of mathematical statistics and exploratory data analysis, and new methods developed specifically to answer questions in musicology.Bach may not have approached composition with the systematic intent of Schnberg's 12-tone works, but analyzing his music can certainly be approached mathematically. Presenting numerous illustrations and examples of music spanning from the 12th to the 20th century, Statistics in Musicology summarizes various ideas proven to be useful in musical analysis and provides the basis to conduct your own analyses.Jan Beran is a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Konstanz, Germany. He is also an accomplished concert pianist and composer.

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Traditionally, statistics and music are not generally associated with each other. However, ...intelligent... music software, computer digitization, and other advanced techniques and technologies have precipitated the need for standard statistical models to answer basic musicological questions. Statistics In Musicology presents an unprecedented intr