The element of music that was represented by Europe's first system of musical notation was Melodic Shapes. Melodic Shapes are the contour or the up and down of the notes, slowly or quickly. The most common form of music with melodic shapes nowadays is Jazz.
Dont really know about identity. I listen to a lot of nostalgic music and music I can relate to though. It has to do a lot with mood too. Sorry I know this isnt really much help
