Principles of discrete pitch organization in musical systems

Abstract

This paper considers the dimensions of the melodic process essentially based on
discrete pitches. It aims to sketch a notional framework which helps to highlight
very general mechanisms that might reduce the divide in the study of musical
systems, notably between the normalised system of modern Western art music and
“other” systems. This aim is part of a project of bio-anthropo-musicology, the
ambition of which is to go beyond a descriptive approach towards an explanatory
approach of the phenomenon of music. Firstly, we will propose a definition of the
principal notions allowing us to describe the organisation of the field of discrete
pitches through the melodic process: tonality, harmony, and modality. Secondly, we
will describe the three levels of organisation in this field, stressing in particular the
analysis of diverse musical productions that seem to express these levels