James Sneyd, mathematics, University of Auckland, Royal Society of New Zealand, presents "Mathematics and Music: the Beauties of Pattern" as part of the Science Sundays lecture series.
Sneyd claims to have no answer to the question of whether mathematical and musical ability are necessarily linked, but hopes to show us how an appreciation and understanding of one field can enrich the other, and demonstrate common beauties not always apparent to the naked eye. He will briefly discuss some of his favorite moments in the joint history of mathematics and music. He believes we will find them amusing as well as interesting. Then he will give us a deeper look at patterns typically underlying mathematical research and show how such pattern constructions lie also at the heart of such things as musical improvisation and rhythmic patterns — not to mention Homeric poetry — which he promises will make an appearance.
For more information, visit the Science Sundays page of the College of Arts and Sciences website.
