From simple folksongs to the complex sound of a symphony
orchestra, music has been created by every known society. Almost every pivotal
event in life can be signposted with music, whether it’s a joyful occasion like
a wedding or a sad one such as a funeral. Music, which consistently emerges in
surveys as the most popular form of art, can be used not only to tap into an
emotion a person is already feeling, but to manipulate it in a powerful way. Yet
the existence of music mystifies scientists. It is not a primary means of
communication, the only species to make musical instruments, music does not
seem to help us to live longer or pass on our genes more efficiently. So what
purpose does it serve?
A flute was not a sophisticated instrument – in fact, it had
a range of less than one octave – but it was an instrument nonetheless. Cavemen
used the instrument to attract prospective mates. Although some psychologists
feel this is somewhat feeble and doesn’t really explain why a cavewoman should
find a caveman flautist more appealing than a tone-deaf rival, the question
remains. After all, something must explain why our ancestors were creating
music 200,000 years ago.
Psychologists are united in one belief – that music speaks
to the heart. What is more, the evidence that music elicits emotion is
startlingly direct. Certain pieces of music induce physiological changes in the
body that correspond to certain emotions. “Sad” pieces caused the pulse to
slacken, the blood pressure to rise and the temperature to drop, which is
exactly what happens when a sense of sadness sets in. “Happy” songs did the
opposite, including a cheery feeling. Somehow, music can tap into sensitive
emotional circuits.
Music has all the hallmarks of an adaptive behaviour,
meaning it was a factor in selecting a mate. It is universal across cultures,
and kids are motivated spontaneously to learn how to play music around the age
of puberty.
Musical talent can indicate many desirable qualities in a
mate: the mental competence to learn notes and lyrics; the social intelligence
required to be part of an orchestra and co-operate, literally harmoniously with
other people; creativity and energy. But just because musical competence may
have once signaled a good mate doesn’t necessarily mean that every modern woman
is searching for that quality – human beings have come to differ in their preferences.
