There is a long
connection between music and mathematics, asserts Tomoko. Both require
precision and order. Both deal with proportion and harmony. Both use pattern
creatively. Music is very measured, and mathematics has its own kind of rhythm.
Every measurement
has a unit of measure: one second, one inch, one pound. And for music it is
literally one measure: one bar of music. That measure is the basis for the rhythm,
the meter, of the piece, particularly when accented. Without measures, the music
could become, in a way, unmusical, just meandering notes.
Nevertheless, the
use of barlines, indicating a measure, is a relatively recent invention. The first
use of barlines, in the 15th and 16th century, sometimes marked
off a section and other times marked individual beats. Todays’ use of barlines,
a consistent measure unit, dates back to the 17th century.
Even with this
measured scoring, music is ultimately measured in its performance – and the experience
of the listener can sometimes be measureless, transcending any mathematical
unit.
