Music is possessed by all human cultures; and archaeological evidence for musical activities pre-dates even the earliest-known cave art. Music has been the subject of keen investigation across a great diversity of fields; from neuroscience and psychology to ethnography; archaeology; and its own dedicated field; musicology. Despite the great contributions that these studies have made towards understanding musical behaviours; much remains mysterious about thisubiquitous human phenomenon - not least; its origins.In a ground-breaking study; this volume brings together evidence from these fields; and more; in investigating the evolutionary origins of our musical abilities; the nature of music; and the earliest archaeological evidence for musical activities amongst our ancestors. Seeking to understand the true relationship between our unique musical capabilities and the development of the remarkable social; emotional; and communicative abilities of our species; it will be essential reading for anyoneinterested in music and human physical and cultural evolution.
#3735732 in eBooks 2014-02-21 2014-02-21File Name: B00IKQFTTI
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very passionate belief driving a too narrow definitionBy PhredBottom Line: Tolstoys "What is Art" contains an earlier draft and a final extended essay by the author of several of the worlds greatest novels. He grapples with the question of what he thinks should be considered as art. Art he believes should not merely be pretty or entertaining. Art must be the original; inspired product of a naturally superior; creative person. It must clearly express the unique emotional message of a person who has experienced a spontaneous; and unique creative moment. This expression must be so created as to be immediately understandable by any person; without that person needing any training to appreciate the artistry behind the expression. In all cases; Art to be art must further the religious beliefs common to the time and place where the artist is inspired. Despite the masterful language and forceful passion of this literary master; I am not convinced by his argument.As a reading experience; this book is very successful as a display of powerful writing. Tolstoy bears his heart and his point of view. I do not find his argument consistent or consistently convincing. This is great writing; but intended for a limited audience. It not intended as a pleasurable reading. Your experience of this book will vary depending on your need to be in agreement with an author and your ability to appreciate writing even if the conclusions proposed are ones with which you cannot fully agree.
