Quantum Memory of Musical Compositions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quantum-inspired computational method to measure the memory in orchestral music, linking musical perception to quantum concepts of expectation and surprise.

Contribution

It presents a novel quantum-based approach to quantify musical memory, applying it to orchestral compositions like Wagner's Liebestod.

Findings

Quantum-inspired measure correlates with perceived musical memory

Method applied successfully to classical orchestral pieces

Provides new insights into musical perception and memory

Abstract

The perception and appreciation of beauty in a musical composition appears as being related to the amount of memory and balance between expectation and surprise. In this study, we use a formal computing tool derived from quantum mechanics and adapted to music, to measure the degree of memory of orchestral music, including Liebestod by R. Wagner. We discuss our results and further lines of research.