Intervallic Semiosis in Music

: And a Small Glossary in the Musical Language of Valence

Abstract

Due to the challenges in obtaining clear results from investigations into musical expression, music has often been perceived as elusive and enigmatic. This study demonstrates that such a perception can be overturned when music is examined through the lens of constructionist psychology. The study will hopefully contribute to the field by presenting a detailed mapping of the musical expression of valence – one of the emotional components – with significant precision. The analysis, conducted through a repeated measures ANOVA, revealed several distinct positive and negative levels of valence (F(7.29) = 213, p < .001). Moreover, this study introduces the process of semiosis as an explanation for music's capacity to convey such expression. Semiosis, the process through which signs and symbols are imbued with meaning, have been observed at a conceptual or thematic level in music. However, the study identified a form of semiosis occurring at the level of individual pitches of notes, and thus on a lower level of abstraction. This type of semiosis was termed “intervallic semiosis”.

Date of Award	2023-Dec
Original language	English
Supervisor	Per Davidson (Supervisor) & Peter Jönsson (Examiner)