Implied Polyphony in the Unaccompanied String Works of J.S. Bach

Résumé du livre

Experimental methods were then used to determine how implied polyphony affects various perceived characteristics of these pieces. The basic hypothesis was that Bach used the technique of implied polyphony to create an expressive surface, something that would interrupt the regularities inherent in monophonic, isochronous melodies. Statistical analysis of the results confirmed that passages with implied polyphony are indeed considered more engaging. The results also suggest that all types of implied polyphony do not behave in the same manner, with the perceived aesthetic quality only being affected when the implied polyphony significantly changes basic melodic patterns or motives.