A CONSTRAINT SATISFACTION APPROACH TO TONAL HARMONIC ANALYSIS

This paper gives an algorithm for harmonic analysis for a tonal composition using a constraint-satisfaction problem (CSP) model. The algorithm combines rule-based and preference-based approaches to perform harmonic analysis, taking the position that the problem can be modeled as a computational process and less of a psychological phenomenon. Using cadential patterns within the piece, it identifies tonal centers and assigns the harmonic analysis, applying preferences when necessary. A software implementation of the algorithm is presented, along with a discussion if its results.