Tradition and Evolution in Song Style: A Reanalysis of Cantometric Data

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a reanalysis, using multivariate tech niques, of song-style data reported by Alan Lomax and his associates over the past decade. Lomax et al. have framed out an elaborate case for a causal connection between general cultural evolution and various fea tures of song style, such as text wordiness and melodic embellishment, as measured by the cantometric coding system. In the present paper, certain of these hypotheses are tested with models which include explicit vari ables of societal location. The results of these tests provide considerable support for a diffusional-historic, as opposed to a functional-evolutionary, explanation of song-style variance. On the other hand, certain of Lomax's hypotheses relating vocul qualities to the degree of pi-eiiiat-ital sexual free dom per society received at least moderate support.