luis jure

abstract

We introduce carat, a python toolbox for computer–assisted rhythm analysis from audio recordings, that includes a set of ready-to-use tools in order to maximise its usability by the musicological community. In this initial release, the toolbox includes functions and applications to tackle rhythmic pattern analysis. A representation in the form of a map of rhythmic patterns, that is computed from the audio file, enables the inspection of the similarities and differences between patterns, as well as their evolution over time. Through in an interactive process, the rhythmic patterns can be automatically clustered into groups based on its similarity. The toolbox also allows for the analysis of the micro–temporal deviations of the rhythmic patterns with regards to a regular metrical grid. The usefulness of the toolbox is illustrated by the analysis of pieces from three different music datasets from the Afro–Atlantic tradition, which, among other aspects, shows that the tools provided are able to manage cycles of different length and beat subdivision.