Department of Mathematics

Speaker: Clifton Callender
Title: Mathematics and Continuous Musical Spaces
Affiliation: Florida State University, Music
Date: Friday, September 13, 2013
Place and Time: Room 101, Love Building, 3:35-4:30 pm
Refreshments: Room 204, Love Building, 3:00 pm

Abstract. What does calculus have to do with rhythm? How can we create melodies that can be harmoniously combined in an infinite number of ways using logarithmic spirals? And why are quotient spaces and the Fourier transform useful in understanding voice leading and harmony? This presentation will explore and offer live demonstrations of recent connections between mathematics and music that result from a reconceptualization of music in terms of continuous spaces.