This paper explores the concepts of metrical consonance and dissonance in a broad and yet articulate way. Krebs first gives a brief review of previously studies. He then extends the definition by Yeston to combine the concepts of levels of motion and musical meter to define metrical consonance and dissonance. Another modification of Yeston’s work is extending the applicable range of dissonance ...

It has been argued that convexity in the Euler lattice can be interpreted in terms of consonance (Honingh and Bod 2005). In this paper, a second hypothesis is presented that states that compactness in the Euler-lattice is an indication of consonance. It will be investigated if, and to which degree convexity and compactness are in agreement with the consonance of chords according to Euler’s meas...

The basis of musical consonance has been debated for centuries without resolution. Three interpretations have been considered: (i) that consonance derives from the mathematical simplicity of small integer ratios; (ii) that consonance derives from the physical absence of interference between harmonic spectra; and (iii) that consonance derives from the advantages of recognizing biological vocaliz...

Previous work suggested that convexity in the Euler lattice can be interpreted in terms of consonance [1]. In this paper, a second hypothesis is presented that states that compactness in the Euler lattice is an indication of consonance. The convexity and compactness of chords is used as the basis of a model for the preferred intonation of chords in isolation (without a musical context). It is i...

The melodic consonance of a sequence of tones is explained using the overtone series: the overtones form “flow lines” that link the tones melodically; the strength of these flow lines determines the melodic consonance. This hypothesis admits of psychoacoustical and neurophysiological interpretations that fit well with the place theory of pitch perception. The hypothesis is used to create a mode...

Cultural consensus analysis tests for shared models of behavior in various cultural dimensions. Cultural consonance is used to assess the degree to which individuals behave in a way that is consistent with these cultural models. Results are presented from two studies using cultural consensus and consonance analysis (CCCA) on health risk in an African American population and on diet in a mixed s...

The origins of the perception of consonance and dissonance in music are a matter of debate. The present study examined the hypothesis of an innate preferential bias favoring consonance over dissonance by exposing 4 month old infants to consonant and dissonant versions of two melodies. Infants looked significantly longer at the source of sound and were less motorically active to consonant compar...

Debates on the origins of consonance and dissonance in music have a long history. While some scientists argue that consonance judgments are an acquired competence based on exposure to the musical-system-specific knowledge of a particular culture, others favor a biological explanation for the observed preference for consonance. Here we provide experimental confirmation that this preference plays...

Pitch relationships in music are characterized by their degree of consonance, a hierarchical perceptual quality that distinguishes how pleasant musical chords/intervals sound to the ear. The origins of consonance have been debated since the ancient Greeks. To elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these musical fundamentals, we recorded neuroelectric brain activity while participan...

In sixth century BC, Pythagoras discovered the mathematical foundation of musical consonance and dissonance. When auditory frequencies in small-integer ratios are combined, the result is a harmonious perception. In contrast, most frequency combinations result in audible, off-centered by-products labeled “beating” or “roughness;” these are reported by most listeners to sound dissonant. In this p...