The Numbers Game

Bach delighted in riddles and his ‘Musical Offering’, a collection of pieces based on a theme given to him by Frederick the Great of Prussia, abounds with them. Messiaen’s short Island of Fire 2, inspired by Papua New Guinea, is an intense and violent piece. And Bartok’s Fourth String Quartet contains many elements of the composer’s fascination with Hungarian folk music.

Marcus du Sautoy will introduce these remarkable pieces and reveal the mathematical secrets that lie within them.

Programme

• Bach: Trio Sonata from The Musical Offering BWV 1079
• Messiaen: Île de feu 2 (from Quatre études de rythme) for solo piano
• Bartok: String Quartet No.4