Mathematical analysis of the relationship between notes finds similarities with rock and pop A new mathematical analysis shows a surprising trend in the complexity of music such as jazz. " data-large-file="https://www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/050726_PD_music_main.jpg?w=800"> A new mathematical analysis shows a surprising trend in the complexity of music such as jazz. Westend61/Getty Images 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 .  “We are observing an evolution in music,” says Niccolò Di Marco, a computational social scientist at the University of Tuscia in Viterbo, Italy. That shift may be fueled by digital technologies, which make access to and inspiration from recorded music easier.…