JOURNAL ARTICLE

Pythagoras was wrong: there are no universal musical harmonies, new study finds.

  • Published In: Psychology & Psychiatry Journal, 2024. P. 4806 1 of 2

  • Database: Psychology Source 2 of 2

Abstract

A recent study conducted by researchers from Cambridge University, Princeton, and the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics challenges the long-held belief that musical harmony is based on universal mathematical ratios. The study found that in normal listening contexts, slight deviations from these ratios are actually preferred by listeners. Additionally, the researchers discovered that certain musical instruments, such as the bonang from Javanese gamelan, produce consonances and dissonances that do not adhere to traditional mathematical relationships. The findings suggest that there are many different kinds of harmony and that exploring unfamiliar instruments can unlock new creative possibilities in music. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. 2024/03, p4806
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Religion and Philosophy
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:1944-2718
  • Accession Number:175903659
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