Jazz and classical music have become simpler, a new study finds

Mathematical analysis of the relationship between notes finds similarities with rock and pop

A trio plays musical instruments, including a saxophone and a trombone.

A new mathematical analysis shows a surprising trend in the complexity of music such as jazz.

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Jazz and Western classical music are now more like pop and rock — at least by one measure. The melodic and harmonic structures of jazz and classical have become simpler over time, according to a mathematical analysis in the April 23 Scientific Reports