In search of the universals of music
A group of researchers led by Patrick Savage from the Tokyo University of the Arts has analyzed several hundred music recordings from all over the world in order to identify common structural features. The results are not uninteresting, but rather undecided.
Music is often characterized as a universal language. So far, however, it has not been possible to identify clear universals in music, i.e. characteristics that are common to every musical expression. The team has put this to the test again - with a statistical analysis of 304 music recordings from all over the world.
As the authors write, no absolute universals could be identified. However, statistical generalities can be specified that are consistent in all examples from a total of nine world regions considered. In total, the authors identify 18 individual characteristics and 10 characteristics that are generally associated with each other.
The characteristics include features of pitch organization and rhythmic structure, but also performance characteristics and social characteristics. The functions of music as a means of coordination and strengthening the cohesion of groups proved to be the most similar.
The authors of the study see their results as a good starting point for further research into understanding the phenomenon of music, taking global cultures into account.
Original article:
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/06/23/1414495112.abstract?sid=67c8f410-732c-4448-9502-f7b3db999d0a
