A biological rationale for musical consonance
Top Cited Papers
- 24 July 2015
- journal article
- Published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
- Vol. 112 (36), 11155-11160
- https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1505768112
Abstract
The basis of musical consonance has been debated for centuries without resolution. Three interpretations have been considered: (i) that consonance derives from the mathematical simplicity of small integer ratios; (ii) that consonance derives from the physical absence of interference between harmonic spectra; and (iii) that consonance derives from the advantages of recognizing biological vocalization and human vocalization in particular. Whereas the mathematical and physical explanations are at odds with the evidence that has now accumulated, biology provides a plausible explanation for this central issue in music and audition.Keywords
Funding Information
- Universität Wien (no number)
- Duke University (no number)
- The Austrian Science Fund (M 1774-B24)
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