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Music and math: The genius of Beethoven - Natalya St. Clair

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How is it that Beethoven, who is celebrated as one of the most significant composers of all time, wrote many of his most beloved songs while going deaf? The answer lies in the math behind his music. Natalya St. Clair employs the "Moonlight Sonata" to illustrate the way Beethoven was able to convey emotion and creativity using the certainty of mathematics.

The frequency theories of ratios for consonance and dissonance do not always hold true. Investigate the frequencies of notes that are 4 half-steps apart and make an 11:12 ratio. How does this produce a different outcome from the pattern in the video?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Natalya St. Clair
  • Animator Qa'ed Mai
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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