A Perfect Harmony

Music, Mathematics and Science

David Darling

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Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Oneworld Publications
05 June 2025

Theory of music & musicology; Techniques of music & music tutorials; Acoustic & sound engineering; Popular psychology

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?

By: David Darling
Imprint: Oneworld Publications
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 21mm
ISBN: 9780861549856
ISBN 10: 0861549856
Pages: 288
Publication Date: 05 June 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

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.