Just like so many other things, there are "universals" which appeal to everyone. Besides, the differences between even the most drastically different cultures' music are numerically superficial (if that makes any sense).

A note and its "harmonies" (third, fifth, octave, etc) vibrate at rates where the crests and troughs of the notes coincide every second, third, sixth, etc. time. This is a lot easier on the ear than frequencies that never, or rarely coincide -- defining what we consider dissonance.

Rhythm is a universal concept. A basic, mathematically sound concept all cultures seem to understand and need.

• Concept versus requirement - harvey1 - May 13, 2002 - 17:19 UTC