RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 What is musical genius? JF Clinical Medicine JO Clin Med FD Royal College of Physicians SP 178 OP 181 DO 10.7861/clinmedicine.8-2-178 VO 8 IS 2 A1 Paul Robertson YR 2008 UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/8/2/178.abstract AB While musical genius must have neuro-biological basis it is defined and understood within prevailing cultural frameworks. In order to measure it historic and aesthetic traditions and assumptions need to be considered. Child prodigies and savants are discussed as well as traditional associations that suggest that depression and the melancholic personality have particular relevance in musical creativity and originality.