David Huron Livres

An accessible scientific explanation for the traditional rules of voice leading, including an account of why listeners find some musical textures more pleasing than others.

Exploring the cognitive and perceptual foundations of voice leading, this work by David Huron delves into why certain musical textures resonate more with listeners. Drawing on extensive research, he explains various phenomena such as the dominance of the highest voice and the effects of chordal-tone doubling. Huron highlights the alignment between traditional voice leading rules and contemporary scientific insights into auditory perception, while also addressing the influence of learning and cultural background on musical experience.

A theory of expectations is used to explain how music evokes various emotions; for readers interested in cognitive science and evolutionary psychology as well as music.

Exploring the significance of sadness, the author integrates insights from cognitive sciences with extensive research in music. The work delves into how sadness shapes human experiences and emotions, presenting a compelling case for its essential role in our lives. Through this unique perspective, the book highlights the interplay between music and emotional depth, inviting readers to reconsider the value of sadness in their own narratives.