A new method of analyzing musical style by means of the reproducing piano

Abstract

Different stylistic effects in piano-playing are produced, says the author, by variations of duration, intensity, pedalling, and other physical factors. In this article is described a method by which these factors can be examined on perforated rolls of the duo-art reproducing piano. The construction and control system of the piano are briefly described. A special roll was made on which were recorded 2 measures of a certain selection played first by one artist, then by another. By means of a special device it was possible to hear Artist A's rendition of the measures with the intensity altered to that used by Artist B. Other comparisons were made by equating separately the pedalling and temporal values and phrasing. At least 7 marked differences of treatment were noted. The author believes that the significance of the method lies in the fact that it makes possible the resolving of the usual metaphorical descriptions of style in playing into a limited number of measurable physical factors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)