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David S. Smith, An Age-Based Comparison of Humor in Selected Musical Compositions, Journal of Music Therapy, Volume 31, Issue 3, Fall 1994, Pages 206–219, https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/31.3.206
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Abstract
This investigation focused on similarities and differences in the assignment of preference and humor ratings for musical compositions by subjects of various ages. Perceived humor and preference ratings (five-point Likert) for 10 short musical excerpts were collected from 65 subjects who were active musical participants (music skills class—40 subjects, church music program—25 subjects). Excerpts represented a variety of styles, including 1950s beach, country western, ragtime, symphonic, and cartoon music, in instrumental and instrumental/vocal settings. The highest preference ratings by all subjects were: “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin. “The 1712 Overture” by PDQ Bach, and “The Tortoise” from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens. The highest humor ratings by all subjects were: “The Streak” by Ray Stevens, “Pal-Yat-Chee” by Spike Jones, and “William Tell Overture” also by Spike Jones. No statistical differences were evident among group rankings, in either preference or humor.