The study of the relationship between music and mathematics has a history which predates Pythagoras. Mathematics and music share a common basis of language and creativity. From the theory of tuning systems and temperament to physical acoustics, from harmonic analysis to spectrograms, from the structures of rhythms and pulses to the continuous stretching of the laws of harmony and the exploration of the musical forms carried out by contemporary composers, all elements of music lead to an immediate connection to mathematics. More and less recent research has witnessed the use of set theory to describe how musical objects are related and organised, the employ of group theory in the context of transformational analysis of tonal and atonal compositions, the application of Grassmannians to the study of temperaments, and the investigation of category theory, topology and differential geometry to provide a basis of music theory.
The IMA is glad to launch a conference on “Mathematics in Music”, to be announced to take place in 2022 at the Royal College of Music. In view of this event, a series of individual seminars on this fascinating and rich field of research, held by mathematicians, musicians and composers, is expected to take place between 2020 and 2022.
Keynote Talk – Robin Wilson (The Open University)
For this introductory seminar we are delighted that the keynote presentation will be given by Robin Wilson (The Open University). The title of the talk is ‘Introduction: YEA, WHY TRY HER RAW WET HAT.’ The abstract is below:
This introductory seminar is in two parts. The first part illustrates the basic ideas of rhythm, pitch and harmony from a historical point of view, leading to ideas of tuning and temperament and microtonal music. The second part illustrates geometrical structure in music, starting with rounds and canons and leading to various types of symmetry, such as reflections, inversions, and rotations and combinations of these. Finally I shall present some mathematical devices that recent composers have used to derive sound patterns for their compositions.
Programme
1pm – Introduction
1:05pm – Robin Wilson, part one
1:35pm – 10 minute break
1:45pm – Robin Wilson , part two
2:15- Finish
Registration
Registration for this event is now closed.
Further Information
For further information please contact the IMA Conferences Department
E-mail: conferences@ima.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1702 354 020
Address: Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, Catherine Richards House, 16 Nelson Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1EF, UK.
I’m not able to view this talk live but would love to watch it. Will it be available to view after the event?
Unfortunately, I am in the same situation as Simon; very interested in the talk but have a calendar clash with a work meeting, and so very interested in watching it later.
Dear Simon, Nicole,
I hope that you are both well. The talks will be recorded and uploaded to our Youtube Channel after the event.
With Kind Regards,
The Conferences Team