Jazz and classical music has become simpler and more repetitive

"Long-established and traditionally more complex genres such as Classical and Jazz exhibit structural patterns that increasingly resemble those of more recently developed genres, suggesting a process of homogenization and simplification in melodic and harmonic structures."

"Music has always been central to human culture, reflecting and shaping traditions, emotions, and societal changes. Therefore, analysing the quantitative properties of musical compositions can provide insights into specific aspects of human cultural evolution."

A study analyzed over 21,000 songs from 1600 to 2021, revealing that classical and jazz music have simplified significantly since the mid-20th century. Jazz peaked in complexity during the 1950s and 1960s, while classical music has shown a notable decline in complexity throughout the 20th century. The researchers suggest that music digitization may contribute to this trend of homogenization, as traditional genres increasingly resemble more contemporary styles. Previous studies indicated a similar simplification in song lyrics and melodies.

Read at Mail Online