Subject: What is the limit of "exclusive allocation" ? From: Paul du Preez <pauldupreez61(at)HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 12:32:48 +0000A prosperous New Year to everyone! I am an MPhil/PhD student of instrumental and vocal composition (I was also a professional musician for a number of years before resuming my studies). I am engaged in developing music that exploits the perceptual ambiguity generated by closely balanced competition between perceptual organisations where those organisations share common elements. My question concerns the principle of exclusive allocation as found in the Rubin faces/vase image and as occurs in my music: For some time now I have had the impression that I am able to perceive two competing perceptual organisations simultaneously, a mode of perception that apparently violates exclusive allocation. (It also seems to me that it must be different to duplex perception where the mind involuntarily “duplicates” an element present in one perceptual organisation in order to add it, mirage-like to another where it is in fact absent. – The perceptual mode I am describing is quite voluntary and does not result in the illusory presence of duplicated elements with the receiving organisation.) My knowledge of music psychology is inadequate to explain this phenomenon. Can someone assist me with this? Here are a few more details on my part: It has taken some practice to achieve this “multiple perception”. I find it most effective with regard to relatively static and repetitive musical textures. It is accompanied by a trancelike sensation of “divided attention”. I am also on the lookout for a collaborator, someone interested in working with a composer receptive to issues of music psychology, preferably in the area outlined above. Paul du Preez www.spnm.org.uk/shortlist _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself with cool emoticons - download MSN Messenger today! http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger