Klarinet Archive - Posting 000638.txt from 1998/04

From: Agrenci <Agrenci@-----.com>
Subj: Math-Music-Einstein
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998 05:07:03 -0400

Anyone interested in this topic might enjoy reading Emblems of Mind: The Inner
Life of Music and Mathematics, by Edward Rothstein. I have it in a trade
paperback version published by Avon Books. It has been a year or so since I
read it, but found it fascinating. As memory serves, Rothstein proposes that
mathematics and music represent two different, yet related, methods of
describing and organizing our understanding of the universe - two different
metaphorical systems. It is written to provide enough stimulation for experts
in either field, without being so technical as to leave behind anyone with a
passing knowledge of both music and mathematics.

About Einstein: there is humorous, if dubious, story regarding his violin
playing. Apparently his fame permitted him to play sometimes with famous
musicians. His rhythm was reputably not quite accurate, and while reading
though a Sonata with some un-named piano virtuoso Einstein kept coming in
wrong. The frustrated pianist shouted "What's the matter Albert? Can't you
count?"

Andy Grenci