The Measure of Music

 

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 15^th and 16^th century, sometimes marked off a section and other times marked individual beats. Todays’ use of barlines, a consistent measure unit, dates back to the 17^th 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.