Cognitive and cultural dynamics of melodic structure: a study of post-skip reversals in Rast and Nihavent makams

Post skip reversals, where a significant melodic leap is followed by a change, in direction have been recognized in Western Classical music but haven›t been extensively explored in non-Western traditions like Turkish makam music. We investigated the presence of skip reversals in both the Rast and Nihavent makam within SymbTr encompassing 50 and 45 pieces respectively. To compare types of skip reversals in Rast and Nihavent we categorized all melodic intervals based on their median pitch into four types; landing, approaching, departing and crossing. Chi Squared tests were utilized to analyze the significance of direction changes. Our findings reveal that post skip reversals are prevalent in Turkish makam music. In Rast makam 88.62% of crossing leaps resulted in a change of direction. Similarly, for Nihavent makam, 87.38% of crossing leaps exhibited this pattern. These outcomes support the notion that certain cognitive processes associated with reversals may possess traits that align with theories proposing that melodic skips generate a perceptual imbalance necessitating a reversal. Furthermore, cultural practices and stylistic conventions play a role, in influencing the occurrence of skip reversals. For instance, the strong association between crossing leaps and direction changes in Nihavent makam reflects specific stylistic practices within Turkish classical music, such as the emphasis on maintaining a balanced melodic contour. This indicates that while there are aspects to how we perceive music cultural influences play a role in shaping how these processes are expressed. It shows the interplay, between cognitive tendencies and cultural traditions. The findings focus on the complex interplay between universal cognitive processes, cultural practices and physical constraints, which contribute to a wider understanding of melodic organization in different cultures. In future research, the analysis should expand to include a wider range of makams and incorporate qualitative methods for deeper insight into cultural, historical or performance contexts that influence Post-skip reversal.