Visualizing the Semantic Structure in Classical Music Works

MPhil Thesis Defence


Title: "Visualizing the Semantic Structure in Classical Music Works"

By

Miss Wing-Yi Chan


Abstract

One of the major obstacles to appreciating classical music is that 
extensive training is required to understand musical structure and 
compositional techniques towards comprehending the thoughts behind the 
musical work. In this thesis, we propose an innovative visualization 
solution to reveal the semantic structure in classical orchestral work, 
such that users can gain insights into musical structure and appreciate 
the beauty of music. We formulate the semantic structure into macro-level 
layer interactions, micro-level theme variations, and macro-micro 
relationship between themes and layers to abstract the complicated 
construction of a music composition. The visualization has been applied 
with success in understanding some classical music work as supported by 
highly promising user study results with the general audience and very 
positive feedback from music students and experts, demonstrating its 
effectiveness in conveying the sophistication and beauty of classical 
music to novice users with informative and intuitive displays.


Date:				Tuesday, 13 January 2009

Time:				2:00p.m.-4:00p.m.

Venue:				Room 3494
 				Lifts 25-26

Committee Members:		Dr. Huamin Qu (Supervisor)
 				Prof. Andrew Horner (Chairperson)
 				Dr. David Rossiter


**** ALL are Welcome ****