THE WORLD IN SIX SONGS How Musical Brain Created Human Nature

How did the six kinds of songs make humans who we are? Author Levitin, a rock musician turned neuroscientist, examines these six musical archetypes—songs of friendship, joy, comfort, knowledge, religion, and love. Levitin brings energy and enthusiasm to his narration as he shares his ideas through a blend of personal experience, observation, and research. With a dramatic touch, he sets scenes, such as a prehistoric camp under attack or a group of modern high school students smoking. The book is about more than music; it looks at human emotion, ritual, and the workings of the brain. While some passages are complex, Levitin’s delivery makes the material accessible to listeners. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2008]