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A Perfect Harmony
Music, Mathematics and Science
Brief Description
From the earliest of civilisations, humans have found ways to make music, whether through makeshift drums or artfully drilled bone flutes. But how did music – effectively little more than a series of unrelated frequencies and rhythms – become so integral to the human experience? Untangling...
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See moreA melodic odyssey through the interwoven worlds of music, physics and mathematics.
A melodic odyssey through the interwoven worlds of music, physics and mathematics.
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Description
From the earliest of civilisations, humans have found ways to make music, whether through makeshift drums or artfully drilled bone flutes. But how did music – effectively little more than a series of unrelated frequencies and rhythms – become so integral to the human experience?
Untangling the curious links between notes and number, musical perception, psychology and physics, David Darling examines the fascinating science behind music, from its Palaeolithic origins to the present.
Revealing surprising connections and busting pervasive myths, A Perfect Harmony asks:
Why do musicians tend to be better at maths than non-musicians?
Why do we find some pieces sad and others happy?
Will playing Mozart to babies predispose them to genius?
Could an AI write the perfect symphony?
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780861549856
Publisher: Oneworld Publications
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 June 2025
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Oneworld Publications
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 21.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 288
About the Author
David Darling is a science writer, astronomer and musician. His books include the bestselling Equations of Eternity. Together with Agnijo Banerjee, he is the co-author of the Weird Maths trilogy and The Biggest Number in the World. He lives in Dundee, Scotland.
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