Research conducted by a team from the Italian Institute of Technology has revealed that newborns are capable of recognizing and predicting rhythms, demonstrating cognitive responses when exposed to rhythmic music. This study involved testing 49 newborns, fewer than two days old, who listened to Johann Sebastian Bach's piano pieces while their brain activity was monitored through EEG. The results showed significant brain wave responses when the newborns encountered unexpected rhythmic changes, but no substantial reactions to changes in melody were observed.

The background highlights the progression of sensory development in fetuses, with hearing being established between 20-24 weeks of gestation. By around 35 weeks, fetuses begin to respond to music, showcasing different levels of engagement, particularly with rhythm. This research provides new insights into the precursory cognitive abilities in infants, leading to questions about how exposure to music at an early age could influence developmental processes.

The ecological context of this study underlines that the uterine environment absorbs high-frequency sounds, potentially affecting how fetuses perceive external auditory stimuli. The findings not only augment our understanding of prenatal sensory development but also open avenues for further research on music's impact on early childhood learning and emotional bonding experiences between parents and their children.