Measuring Aksak rhythm and synchronization in Transylvanian village music by using motion capture

Authors

Baraldi, F. B., Bigand, E., Pozzo, T.

Year

2015

Title

Measuring Aksak rhythm and synchronization in Transylvanian village music by using motion capture

Journal / book / conference

Empirical Musicology Review

Abstract

Techniques based on motion capture can be useful in analyzing a wide range of musical styles and practices: in this case, Transylvanian village music. We focused on a repertoire known as 'Gypsy songs of sorrow', played by professional Gypsy musicians during parties and celebrations of their own community. Two parameters were the object of study: rhythmic duration, and synchronization between musicians (a violinist and a viola player). Results show that rhythm is a local variant of aksak and is based on two duration units (S=short, L=long) which respect the formula 2: 3 < S:L < 3: 4. Performances are characterized by large variations of the S: L ratio from period to period, which have an expressive function. Tracking the bow's movements with motion capture techniques allowed to show that these variations are related to a swinging interpretation, which also involves a voluntary asynchrony between the two musicians.

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