Musical Aesthetics and Political Power: What Do Gregorian Chant And Spotify Have In Common?

The relationship between aesthetics and political power is explored through a comparison between Gregorian chant and contemporary music streaming platforms. In both cases, music is shown to function not merely as an expressive form, but as a tool of cultural standardisation and emotional regulation. Gregorian chant, systematised under Charlemagne and disseminated through square notation, served to unify the Holy Roman Empire by imposing a standardised liturgical and emotional framework. Local traditions were suppressed in favour of a centralised sonic order, reinforcing religious cohesion and imperial authority. In the digital era, streaming platforms offer unprecedented access to music, often perceived as a democratising force. However, algorithmic recommendation systems introduce subtle forms of control, shaping listening habits and promoting emotional repetition. The autonomy of musical exploration is replaced by predictable, curated experiences that generate dependency and limit diversity. By tracing parallels between historical and contemporary regimes of musical reproduction, the analysis reveals how aesthetic mechanisms have long been instrumental in structuring perception, identity, and social order. Music is thereby understood not as a passive cultural object, but as an active medium of cognitive extension and political influence.