Music is one of humanity’s most extraordinary and complex creations. It is far more than just organized sound; it is a deeply emotional, physical, and social phenomenon. Across every known culture, and dating back to the earliest traces of human existence, music has played an essential role in how we communicate, celebrate, mourn, heal, and connect.
But at its barest, music is an inherently human thing. Our brains are uniquely designed to perceive and even create the melodies that have become so famous over time. Scientists, musicians, and thinkers continue to unravel how these transformations happen and why they affect us so powerfully. So, what exactly is music? And why is it so universal among humans? Click through this gallery to find out.