Is there any way to identify a 'melody' among a sequence of musical notes...aside from a subjective human agreement on the question?

In other words...can a melody be defined in any scientific/mathematical way?

I would say it's which ever part the most people whistle.:D

Is there any way to identify a 'melody' among a sequence of musical notes...aside from a subjective human agreement on the question?

In other words...can a melody be defined in any scientific/mathematical way?There are clearly some justice in saying that a melody is more than just random notes that sound good to us. Things that sound good or feel good or look good often has symmetry in it. All living creatures - even insects - take longer time to examine symmetry than it does with something random. It's more interesting, and can potentially lead to more interesting results.

Also, everything has the potential to change you. If something are to change you, it's better that it is something symmetrical, or something that resembles meaning - or has meaning.