WHAT IS MUSIC. Solving scientific mystery.pdf

WHAT IS MUSIC?

Solving a Scientic Mystery

The science of music started more than 2000 years ago, when

Pythagoras made his observations about consonant intervals

and ratios of string lengths.

But despite all the advances made in acoustics, psychology,

neuroscience and evolutionary biology, scientists still have no

idea what music is.

The theory in this book is the result of more than 20 years

of research by the author. It explains in detail many of the

familiar features of music: notes, scales, melody, harmony,

chords, home chords, bass, rhythm and repetition.

It also explains the symmetries of music. These symmetries in-

clude invariances under pitch translation, octave translation,

time translation, time scaling, amplitude scaling and pitch

reection.

Most importantly, the theory explains the emotional eects of

music, and this explanation sits rmly within the framework of

modern evolutionary theory. For the benet of those not fully

familiar with the concepts of theoretical biology, what this

means is that the theory explains how our ability to respond

to music helps us have more grandchildren.

Published by Philip Dorrell, 2005.

downloaded and printed for personal use only.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the

publisher assumes no responsibilities for errors or omissions, or for

damages resulting from the use of information contained herein.

Philip Dorrell asserts his moral right to be identied as the author of this

book.

Revision Date: 22 March 2005

ISBN 1-4116-2117-4

The o cial website for this book is http://whatismusic.info/.

The author’s personal website is http://www.1729.com/, and current

contact details may be found at http://www.1729.com/email.html.

WHAT IS MUSIC?

Solving a Scientic Mystery

by Philip Dorrell

Dedicated to

Amanda and Natalie.