Let's Calculate Bach: Applying Information Theory and Statistics to Numbers in Music

This book explores the use of information theory, probability, statistics, mathematics, and personal computers to analyze numbers and proportions in music. It discusses encoding messages in music, scientific analysis of claims of hidden names, and the exploration of proportions. It presents a novel approach with a purpose-built computer program and examples from the application of techniques such as information theory, combinatorics, probability, hypothesis testing, Monte Carlo simulation, and Bayesian networks. The book also addresses psychological fallacies and biases and provides guidance for practitioners. It appeals to anyone interested in the intersection between the arts and science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the fascinating world of exploring numbers and proportions in music through the lens of information theory, probability, statistics, mathematics, and personal computers. It offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the encoding and decoding of messages in music, examining the scientific validity of claims of hidden names within musical scores, and investigating the various ways of obtaining proportions in compositions.

The book begins by examining the principles of information theory, which are essential for understanding the encoding and transmission of information in music. It explores the use of numerical alphabets and the techniques used to hide messages within musical scores. It also discusses the challenges of decoding these messages and the importance of ensuring accurate decoding.

Next, the book delves into the realm of probability and statistics, applying these mathematical tools to analyze musical compositions. It explores the concepts of randomness, probability distributions, and hypothesis testing, which are crucial for understanding the distribution of numbers and proportions in music. The book also presents Monte Carlo simulation and Bayesian networks as powerful tools for analyzing complex systems, including musical compositions.

Throughout the book, the authors make connections between science, philosophy, art, architecture, particle physics, calculating machines, and artificial intelligence. They explore the historical development of these fields and their relevance to the study of numbers and proportions in music. The book also provides insights into the psychological fallacies and biases that can affect research in this area, offering guidance for practitioners to avoid these pitfalls.

The book is designed for a wide audience, including musicians, musicologists, researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection between the arts and science. It offers a clear and accessible introduction to the subject matter, with detailed explanations and examples that make complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for anyone who intends to use a scientific approach to the humanities, particularly music. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the techniques and tools used to analyze numbers and proportions in music, making connections between diverse fields of knowledge. With its foreword by Ruth Tatlow, an award-winning author in the field of musicology, and its engaging and accessible style, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers and contribute to our understanding of the relationship between music and science.

Weight: 593g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030637712
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021