In this fascinating book, Ball explores the mechanisms that allow us to make sense of music and to be moved by the simplest melody as well as the most elaborate composition. Thoroughly and with documented research, the author approaches the beginner and enthusiasts to the mysteries of an art present in all cultures, enlightening us about the incredible work that our brain does to interpret sound messages. With the approach of an expert, but above all a music lover, Ball leads the reader on a captivating journey through disciplines ranging from psychology to philosophy, from mathematics to neurology and music theory, retracing its evolution from the times of Pythagoras to our own days. Rich in examples that span from Bach to Jimi Hendrix, from jazz to Indonesian gamelan and from children's nursery rhymes to the boldest experiments of contemporary composers, the volume unbiasedly addresses the aspects that make music an art in its own right, a true cornerstone that we cannot do without.