A Perfect Harmony: Music, Mathematics and Science

by David Darling

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 certain tones 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
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?

Genres: Nonfiction, Music

288 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

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David Darling is a science writer and astronomer. He is the author of many books, including the bestselling Equations of Eternity, and the popular online resource The Worlds of David Darling. He lives in Dundee, Scotland.

Reviews

[SophieJaneK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting account of the history, evolution, perhaps devolution and science behind music. Quite technical at times and a bit over my head, even though it is written in a very accessible way and is not dry. An interesting read for anyone who is musical and well versed in music theory!!
The modern process of sonification mentioned at the end is both exciting and fascinating.