Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Week 2: Math + Art

Music is an art form that often incorporates mathematical concepts. The 12 tone equal tempered scale that is used in all forms of western music that we know is based on mathematics. In fact, the notes we used in music prior to the 16th century were based on the natural overtone harmonic series, and much like the mathematical progression discussed in Henderson’s article, musicians mathematically divided the octave into 12 equal steps to create the “equal-tempered” scale.



Beyond the notes we use in contemporary music, mathematics have played a critical role in musical composition for many centuries. In fact, the golden ratio we discussed in lecture has been implemented as a concept in composition by some very notable composers. Rostropovich, a world famous Russian concert cellist has extensively researched the Bach Cello Suites, and found that Bach uses the golden ratio in his musical phrases. This may explain why the cello suites are considered some of the best composing and best use of phrases and form. There’s an organic flow to the music, and this relates to the way in which we the golden ratio manifests itself in nature, in math, and art. 


Some composers also incorporate the fibonacci sequence in their composition. It is a powerful way to conceptualize musical form and phrasing. It isn’t mere coincidence that some of the worlds most respected and renowned composers have also been scholars in the areas of math, philosophy, and physical sciences. And while music is a great example of how mathematical and scientific concepts are implemented and play a critical role in the sound and structure of the art form, the sciences are connected to many other art forms. Painters implement mathematics in their work all of the time. Escher is a great example of an artist who manipulated images in a mathematical way to create some incredible art. Beyond Escher, there are countless other painters who implement scientific and mathematical concepts in their work.







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