Perceptual fusion of musical notes by native Amazonians suggests universal representations of musical intervals

Open Access

Malinda J. McPherson , Sophia E. Dolan, Alex Durango, Tomas Ossandon, Joaquín Valdés, Eduardo A. Undurraga, Nori Jacoby, Ricardo A. Godoy, Josh H. McDermott

Nature Communications · 2020 · Springer Nature Link

Music perception

Auditory perception

Cross-cultural differences

Video Abstract

Summary

This study compares musical note perception among Westerners and native Amazonians with limited exposure to Western music. Both groups perceived notes with simple frequency ratios as a single sound, suggesting universal auditory mechanisms. However, aesthetic preferences differed, highlighting the influence of culture on musical perception.

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Discipline

Social Sciences · Communication

Publication type

Journal Article

University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Country

United States

Video

YouTube · 5:07

Animated explainer · English