Study Debunks Pythagoras's Theory on Musical Consonance

Research shows a preference for slight imperfections in chords, challenging centuries-old beliefs on harmony.

New research challenges Pythagoras's ancient theory on musical consonance, revealing a preference for slight imperfections in chords.
The study involved over 4,000 participants from the US and South Korea, demonstrating a broad appreciation for varied musical harmonies beyond Western norms.
Instruments unfamiliar to Western traditions, such as the Javanese gamelan's bonang, introduce new patterns of consonance and dissonance.
The findings encourage musicians and producers to experiment with diverse instruments for innovative musical expressions.
This research opens up opportunities for exploring new harmonic languages that resonate with listeners without prior musical training.