Bach, the Universe & Everything at Oxford Mathematics

What is Bach, the Universe & Everything?

We like to think of the series as a community, similar to the one Bach enjoyed in Leipzig where he produced innovative music for the weekly services at the church where he worked from 1723 to 1750.

At that time, the congregation was as open to science and new ideas as it was united by faith. It is in that spirit that we come together for a thought-provoking cantata and a talk from a leading scientist or mathematician.

Can you Hear the Shape of a Drum?

Sunday 21 November 2021 5.30pm, Oxford Mathematics

The Music: BWV 26 Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig (Ah, how fleeting, ah how insignificant) Today's cantata is a cheery one about our impending death. The sense of futility is well captured in the opening chorale which feels frantic and primeval.

All souls welcome.

The Science: Professor Jon Chapman from the University of Oxford invites us to ponder the fleeting moment when sound waves reach our ears before disappearing. Using some careful calculations, Jon suggests that we might even be able to hear the shape of a drum.

Professor Jon Chapman

Schooled by Randomness Sunday 30 January 2022 5.30pm, Oxford Mathematics

The Music: BWV 81 Jesus schläft, was soll ich hoffen?

(Jesus sleeps, what shall I hope for?)

Today's cantata draws upon those moments in life when confusing and random obstacles in our path make us fear for the future and we turn to God to show us the way.

The music was written to accompany the Gospel of Matthew about Jesus calming the storm. Listen out for the third movement especially; its frantic singing and lively tempo pulls you into the eye of the storm and spits you back out again, all the wiser for it.

Tim Harford, OBE

The Science: There’s been a mistake. The venue has provided the wrong piano.

The black notes are sticking, the white notes are out of tune, the pedals don’t work and the instrument itself is just too small. What do you do?

Tim Harford talks about how random obstacles and frustrations can inspire us to be more creative.

Professor Samuel Cohen

Choose Your Own Adventure Sunday 20 March 2022 5.30pm, Oxford Mathematics

The Music: BWV 54 Widerstehe doch der Sünde (Just resist sin) "He who sins is of the devil" warns Bach in this cantata that challenges us to take responsibility for our actions.

The Science: In this talk, Professor Samuel Cohen from the University of Oxford encourages us to reflect on our personal ambitions and ask "How can I be sure that tomorrow's decisions will satisfy today's objectives?"

Hi! We are the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

We like to ask questions about how traditions have emerged and share stories about the things we have learned along the way.

Every time we perform, you will see a stage full of intriguing instruments and hear our passion for making the old feel new.

For tickets, please visit oae.co.uk/bueoxford