The Shape of Music - Mathematical Order in Western Tonality

Explore the fascinating intersection of mathematics and music in this illuminating lecture by mathematician and composer Dmitri Tymoczko. Delve into the hidden geometry of musical relationships, examining how Western composition has evolved over centuries in ways similar to complex systems. Discover the mathematical underpinnings that connect diverse musical styles from Bach to The Beatles, and investigate how information theory applies to chord categorization and functional harmony. Gain insights into the nature of randomness and the roles of parsimony and consilience in both art and science. Through this comprehensive exploration, uncover the mysterious connections between mathematical order and Western tonality, shedding light on what makes music "good" and how it relates to the coherence of the natural world.

Dmitri Tymoczko on The Shape of Music: Mathematical Order in Western Tonality