Math meets Music: Chords triangulating the planePublic Event

by Wadim Zudilin

Friday Dec 4, 2026, 5:00 PM → 7:00 PM Europe/Berlin

MPIM, Vivatsgasse, 7 - Lecture Hall (Max Planck Institute for Mathematics)

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I will explain a simple mathematical model for understanding major and minor chords by triangulating the plane, which has its roots in Euler's writings on music theory from 1739. In the past decades, this model has received renewed attention in music theory, as it has proven surprisingly useful for analyzing the harmonic practice of composers in the Romantic period (19th and early 20th century). We will see some examples of the model in action.

With musical contributions by the following artists:

• Lory Aintablian (piano)
• Ricardo Canesin (piano)
• Remy van Dobben de Bruyn (vocals)
• Sun Woo Park (piano)
• Isabel Rendell (saxophone)
• Lola Thompson (vocals)