Program explores relationship between music, science
By: madeline doman – Staff Writer
Do you ever wonder why we listen to music? What does it mean and how does it impact the world? On Sept. 24 from 9 to 11 a.m., Music of the Spheres will examine the intersections of physics, astronomy, the history of science and music, and study the relationships with scientific ideas and music that inspires.
“The journey of the stars and planets across the night sky has been seen to move in predictable systems following mathematical relationships that were viewed as analogous to musical relationships,” said professor, musicologist and researcher Samuel Dorf. “Music is not just a source of sound but also a way to understand and connect to the universe. Ancient Greek philosophers recognized the harmony in music and its connection with the harmony in the sky, planets and solar system.”
This program will feature works of famous theorists Galileo, Kepler and Copernicus, along with performances of music that may have influenced their thoughts or was inspired by their theories.
“It will be a fun, unique opportunity to engage in discussion about music and science with professors across the university,” Dorf said. “Music of the Spheres is full of surprising dissonances and powerful harmonies between science and music.”
He said it will enchant the audience with insight about music and science and how they interrelate and produce a truly unique relationship.
“Music of the Spheres is full of surprising dissonances and powerful harmonies between science and music,” Dorf said.
The event will include discussion and audience interaction along with musical performances by professors including singer Andrea Wells, pianist John Benjamin and Dorf himself, who plays the viola da gamba, a bowed string instrument.
“As a performer, I am interested in music and making notes on a page turn into a context people can see,” said soprano, music professor and voice professional Andrea Chenoweth-Wells.Her performance will help connect the beauty of music with the construction of scientific theory.
Music of the Spheres will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 9 to 11 a.m., in the Sears Recital Hall, located on the first floor of Humanities. For more information, contact Dorf at sdorf1@udayton.edu. Music of the Spheres is a free presentation and open to the public.
Music of the Spheres is part of Rites Rights Writes. Be on the lookout for new events inspired by this year’s theme, Faith and Reason. The theme focuses on how the two values balance in our lives and fulfill us as humans, accompanied by a diverse calendar of events featuring musical performances, art exhibitions, lectors and much more.