Theory, Analysis and the Psychology of Music: A Critical Evaluation of Lerdahl, F. and Jackendoff, R., A Generative Theory of Tonal Music

Abstract

Lerdahl and Jackendoff's recent book A Generative Theory of Tonal Music brings together a range of ideas that are of common interest to music theorists, music analysts and psychologists of music. For this reason, as well as for its specific theoretical contributions, the book is an important landmark. However, it is argued that not only are there shortcomings in the theory when viewed from each of these three perspectives, but that it also fails to pay sufficient attention to the different aims and conceptual frameworks of the three disciplines. This leads to certain difficulties in applying the theory and assessing the status of its constructs. If the three disciplines are to contribute significantly to one another, their method- ological and conceptual differences must be recognised and accommodated.