The Evolution and Cultural Diversity of Music: Notes, Right and Wrong

Music is a fundamental human expression, a fascinating blend of cultural development and evolutionary adaptation. Contrary to popular belief, music wasn't invented by a single individual. Instead, it is a rich practice that has evolved alongside humanity, reflecting and shaping various cultures over time.

Pythagoras and the Universal Principle of Octave Equivalence

One of the earliest contributors to our understanding of music was the Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras. With his notorious experiment of striking metal bars and cutting them, he laid the groundwork for our current understanding of musical scales. Pythagoras discovered that when a bar was struck, it produced a certain sound. By halving the length of the bar, he produced a note an octave higher that was perceived as a familiar and harmonious sound. This discovery led to the understanding that musical tones related by multiples of two share a core identity, a principle known as octave equivalence. This concept is universal, or nearly so, and is rooted in the physiology of our ears, allowing for a shared understanding of music across various cultures.

However, while the concept of octave equivalence is nearly universal, the specific notes and scales used in music vary widely across cultures. Different scales and tuning systems exist around the world, reflecting the diverse musical traditions of various societies. For instance, Western music often follows a twelve-note scale, with A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and their sharps and flats, though some cultures use different scales, such as the pentatonic scale, which is common in many Asian music traditions.

The Role of Christianity and Musical Notation

With the advent of Christianity, music began to take on new forms and structures. By the end of the Renaissance, a version of notes and staves emerged, based on Italian abbreviations like Dō, Rē, Mī, etc. Composers like Bach further refined the concept of the 12-note scale, leading to the development of the keys and scales we use today. Even into the 19th century, there were still some musicians holding out for F instead of E, indicating the gradual but persistent evolution of musical conventions.

Birdsong: Nature’s Own Musical Expression

Interestingly, even before the emergence of human music, nature had its own forms of musical expression. Birds, in particular, have been captivating human minds with their sophisticated vocalizations. Historically, many musicians and composers have been inspired by birdsong. From Vaughan Williams to Messiaen and the Japanese composer Takashi Yoshimatsu, the beauty and complexity of bird calls have served as a natural inspiration for human music. This suggests that music is part of the natural order of things, and humans have simply refined and developed it over time.

The Universal Nature of Music

Ultimately, music can be seen as a universal human expression, a cultural practice that evolved alongside humanity. Unlike other inventions, music is an inherent part of our shared cultural and biological heritage. While language and music may have similar roots in human development, music is particularly rich in its diversity, with each culture contributing its unique flavors and expressions.

Moreover, the perception of what sounds "right" or "wrong" in music is highly subjective and has evolved over time. What sounds pleasant to the eighth-century ear would likely be considered jarring by modern standards, and vice versa. This demonstrates the fluidity of musical tastes and the ongoing evolution of musical practices around the world.

For those interested in delving deeper into the anthropological and historical aspects of music, anthropologists and cultural scholars provide invaluable insights. Their work helps us understand the diverse ways in which music has developed and continues to evolve across different cultures and historical periods.