The decimal digits of the mathematical constant pi, 3.14159265. . ., ring out an intricate melody that sounds vaguely medieval. Those of the constant e, 2.718281828. . ., progress at a relentless, suspenseful pace. Euler’s prime-number-powered phi function bounces about with a semitropical rhythm. Lorenz’s butterfly meanders through a ragged soundscape. Pascal’s triangle echoes with an eerie beat.
Created by Swedish composer Daniel Cummerow, these mathematical sound bytes belong to a category known as algorithmic music. Each musical fragment is determined by a mathematical recipe–a formula that links digits with musical notes and their duration, as governed by the musical preferences of the composer.