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The Mysteries of Music

Can maths explain song?

A red heart shape is placed on sheet music, with a black filter creating a striking visual contrast against the musical notes.
2nd December 2013
| Science writer, former editor of Nature for over 20 years. His book Critical Mass won the 2005 Aventis Prize.
72 words
Read time: approx. 0 mins

Since the Pythagoreans first investigated the relationship between mathematics and harmony, we have developed theories to explain away the power of music. Is this an error? Should we relish the ineffability of music, or is this a capitulation to mindless romanticism?

Composer Joanna Bailie, Cambridge systems physicist Michael McIntyre, and author of The Music Instinct Philip Ball ask whether it is possible to explain music's power.

Click on the image to watch the debate!

 

Philip Ball
2nd December 2013

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