The math of Mozart

Mozart was fascinated with numerology, especially as it related to Freemasonry."Certainly, three and five were pivotal numbers in Freemasonry, and they were very important to Mozart," says Robert Spano, music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. In the video clip above, Spano explains how Mozart incorporated these numbers into his popular opera "The Magic Flute."

Spano launched his role as a Distinguished Artist in Residence at Emory last Spring by helping develop a seminar called "Harmonic Experience: The Metaphysics of Music." The seminar explored connections throughout history between music, math, astrology and mysticism, and how we perceive and process music in our minds. Spano continues his residency at Emory through 2012.

Related:
Singing the praises of psychology and music
Notes on the musical brain