Utilizing computer programming to analyze post-tonal music

contour analysis of four works for solo flute

Käte Sekula

pp. 219-230

in: Tom Collins, David Mérédith, Anja Volk (eds), Mathematics and computation in music, Berlin, Springer, 2015

Abstract

A computer application was written to complete the task of contour reduction. The application was used to complete analyses of twentieth-century post-tonal works for solo flute. The methodology of Rob Schultz's Contour Reduction Algorithm was chosen for implementation. While contour reduction is a useful analytical tool, it is a meticulous and time-consuming process. Computer implementation of this procedure produces quick and accurate results while reducing analyst fatigue and human error. Java computer programming language is used to create a contour reduction application. This implementation greatly reduces the time needed to analyze a melody. Computer programming is combined with music analysis to produce informed and expressive musical interpretations.