用网络科学分析2万首西方音乐，发现古典与爵士最复杂，但近年趋向简化。
Decoding Musical Evolution Through Network Science
- 将乐曲转为加权有向网络，量化旋律与和声结构
- 古典与爵士复杂度最高，但四百年来整体趋势趋于简单
- 揭示流媒体时代音乐同质化与创新并存的演化规律
音乐始终是人类文化的核心，反映并塑造传统、情感与社会变迁。技术进步改变了音乐的创作与消费方式，影响了音乐风格与听众品味。本研究利用网络科学分析音乐复杂性，基于近四个世纪、涵盖六种主流流派的约20,000个MIDI文件，将每部作品表示为加权有向网络，以研究其结构特性。结果表明，古典与爵士作品的复杂度与旋律多样性高于近年出现的流派。然而，时间序列分析显示，整体呈现简化趋势，即使古典与爵士也逐渐趋近现代流派的复杂度水平。该研究揭示数字工具与流媒体平台如何塑造音乐演化，在催生新流派的同时推动同质化与简化。
原文摘要 · Abstract (English)
Music has always been central to human culture, reflecting and shaping traditions, emotions, and societal changes. Technological advancements have transformed how music is created and consumed, influencing tastes and the music itself. In this study, we use Network Science to analyze musical complexity. Drawing on $\approx20,000$ MIDI files across six macro-genres spanning nearly four centuries, we represent each composition as a weighted directed network to study its structural properties. Our results show that Classical and Jazz compositions have higher complexity and melodic diversity than recently developed genres. However, a temporal analysis reveals a trend toward simplification, with even Classical and Jazz nearing the complexity levels of modern genres. This study highlights how digital tools and streaming platforms shape musical evolution, fostering new genres while driving homogenization and simplicity.
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