The Carnatic music of South India and the folk music of the Balinese gamelan are very different genres with unique performance practices, ensembles, tuning systems and traditions. Both genres, however, appear to place precedence on temporal organisation of the music. This paper uses simple geometric tools to analyse a representative composition from each genre in order to acquire an understanding of the mathematics behind their construction. It is revealed that symmetry operates on multiple levels of scale and in complex ways. Through comparative analysis, differences as well as latent similarities in the approach to symmetry in rhythm and metre are revealed. Through mathematical abstraction, musical relationships may be made between these and the cyclic rhythmic language of other intercultural genres (such as the music of sub-Saharan Africa). For performers and composers interested in intercultural collaboration, the semiotic translation of rhythmic features facilitates an improved understanding of the music. The results of this quantitative research may enable the contemporary musician to create new music with a hybridised intercultural style.

Authors:
Jonathan Dimond, Melbourne Polytechnic, Australia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Jonathan Dimond is a multi-instrumentalist composer/performer, trained in Western classical, jazz and intercultural music. His special interests include Indian classical music, with which he explores hybridisation with other traditions.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-dimond-musician-educator/

Additional website of interest
http://www.jonathandimond.com

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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