Book 101 Review, now in its fifth season, proudly features Dr. Kurt Ellenberger as a distinguished guest, exploring the fascinating themes of Hearing Math & Seeing Sound: The Mysteries of Music and Evolution. In this episode, the conversation delves into

Episode description and notes

Kurt Ellenberger Hearing Math & Seeing Sound: The Mysteries of Music and Evolution From the beginning of my career, I've had strong interdisciplinary interests, blending music with science, philosophy, aesthetics, and culture to uncover the profound "why" behind sound's emotional pull—not just for scholars, but for general audiences hungry for those illuminating connections. As a pianist (retired), composer, and Professor of Music at Grand Valley State University's Frederik Meijer Honors College, I enjoy translating complex ideas into clear, engaging explanations geared toward a general, albeit inquisitive, audience. For instance, in my article "Music and Evolution: Hearing Math, Seeing Sound, and Other Unanswered Questions," I examine how our brains instinctively perceive octaves as geometric symmetries, questioning Darwinian explanations for this evolutionary trait. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/music-and-evolution-hearing-math-seeing-sound-and-other-unanswered-questions Similarly, my three-part series "The Plaintive Sigh of a Sonic Doppelgänger: Why Are Minor Chords Perceived as 'Sad'?" breaks down the spectral clashes that create the melancholy of the minor key, making the underlying math accessible to non-musicians. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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