Maths & Music

Abstract

There are strong links between music and mathematics dating back to Pythagoras and beyond. This book draws together the two disciplines outlining the key methods and concepts that underpin the subjects from one of the earliest uses of a musical cryptogram to computer music in the twenty-first century.

Maths and Music is divided into sections, each one exploring a different mathematical aspect of music: rhythm; symmetry; scales; form and structure; and finally some musical curiosities. Musical examples are taken from across the world, from ancient and medieval music through to popular music of the twenty-first century. In all, the book covers over 200 pieces of music ranging from classical symphonies to electronic dance music with numerous musical excerpts given. There are clear explanations throughout along with glossaries of musical and mathematical terms.