Music as Biology

Discover the fascinating intersection of music and biology in Music as Biology by Dale Purves. Published by Harvard University Press in 2017, this thought-provoking hardback spans 176 pages and delves into the intriguing questions surrounding our musical preferences. Why do we perceive certain tone combinations as harmonious while others seem discordant? What accounts for our reliance on a limited number of musical scales despite the vast array available? Purves invites readers to rethink traditional music theory through a biological lens, offering fresh insights into the organization and effects of music that have puzzled scholars for centuries. This engaging exploration is a must-read for anyone interested in the science of music and its profound impact on human experience.