Math Out Loud - Math in Concert

Math and music are often said to be related, but does this go any deeper than the fact that they both involve counting? In this lively hybrid of talk and concert, mathemusicians Eugenia Cheng and Dave Kung uncover mathematical structures in some of their favorite pieces of Western classical music. Centered on—and sandwiched by!—the Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Major by Brahms, this presentation will be interspersed with music by Bach, Debussy, Chopin, Elgar, and Gounod. Together, we’ll explore a wide range of mathematical concepts embedded in the music, including least common multiples, fractions, the harmonic series, symmetry, self-reference, and more—and find out how a pool tube fits into it all! Whether you're a music lover, a math enthusiast, or just curious to see how the two worlds connect, you'll leave with a fresh perspective on the hidden structures behind the sound. This event is presented as a part of Math Out Loud, SUMM's public lecture series designed to bring engaging mathematical ideas to life.