An experimental study of composer-preferences of four outstanding symphony orchestras.

Abstract

Thurstone's law of comparative judgment, case V, was employed in a study of the composer-preferences of four symphony orchestras. 19 composers were used and data were secured from 308 S's, who made a total of 58,520 judgments. Scales were constructed and on that basis the orchestras were compared. Results showed that, with a few striking exceptions, composers varied in position from orchestra to orchestra. The influence of several factors such as nationality, the personality of the conductor and the location of the orchestras, upon the preferences expressed by the orchestra, has been suggested, and the need for further experimentation indicated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)