The effect of articulation style on perception of modulated tempo

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Rebecca B. MacLeod, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: We investigated the effect of legato and staccato articulation styles on the perception of modulated tempos. Ninety music majors served as participants. Listeners heard music examples that had been selected from two pieces, each of which included staccato and legato passages. Excerpts were presented to listeners in three conditions of tempo modulation: gradual increases, gradual decreases, or no change. Modulations were produced in small increments so that listeners would not notice any abrupt change in tempo. Results indicated that articulation style and direction of modulation affected listener perception of tempo, and these two factors interacted significantly. All staccato stimuli were judged as increasing in tempo more than legato stimuli; however, differences between the two articulation styles were perceived as larger in tempo-increase examples compared to the no-change and tempo-decrease examples. Implications for performance practice and teaching are discussed.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Research in Music Education, 54, 324-336
Language: English
Date: 2006
Keywords
Legato articulation, Staccato articulation, Tempo modulation, Perception of tempo modulation

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