Pythagoras founded a school of philosophy in the Greek city of Kroton in southern Italy and was surrounded by adulation of nearly religious fervour. A classic story relates how music and numbers came to occupy such a central role in his life. It was supposedly with the mathematician's dramatic involvement that Kroton defeated the city of Sybaris in 510 BC: when the appropriate music was played to them, the enemy's horses began to prance as if dancing, making it impossible to defend the city. The Pythagoreans, the philosopher's followers, considered the phenomena of the world to be comprehensible on the basis of arithmetic and geometric regularities. Pythagoras became the first person in the history of science to mathematise his practical experiences when he expressed the intervals of chords in terms of the ratios of string lengths. Numbers and ratios are our entire world, and they also constitute the foundation stone of the arts and science. Speaking of the numerical nature of notes, intervals, tones and harmonies, conductor János Bali, who holds qualifications both as a mathematician and a recorder-player, serves as the artistic director of the A:N:S Chorus and is a specialist in Renaissance vocal polyphony. He and his colleagues, along with Szilveszter Szélpál, who will present items of musical and historical interest, will be sharing fascinating information with the audience.

Age: 12-18 year

Presented by: Müpa Budapest