Musical expectancy: The influence of musical structure on emotional response

TitleMusical expectancy: The influence of musical structure on emotional response
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsKrumhansl CL, Agres KR
JournalBehavioral and Brain Sciences
Volume31
Issue5
Pagination584–585
Date Published10/2008
Abstract

When examining how emotions are evoked through music, the role of musical expectancy is often surprisingly under-credited. This mechanism, however, is most strongly tied to the actual structure of the music, and thus is important when considering how music elicits emotions. We briefly summarize Leonard Meyer's theoretical framework on musical expectancy and emotion and cite relevant research in the area.

DOI10.1017/S0140525X08005384