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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Composing Music with the Pythagorean Table: Matrices for Writing Counterpoint and Canons for Any Number of Voices. A Mathematical Reinterpretation of the Neapolitan Partimento Tradition

Authors: Bianchini, Luca;

Composing Music with the Pythagorean Table: Matrices for Writing Counterpoint and Canons for Any Number of Voices. A Mathematical Reinterpretation of the Neapolitan Partimento Tradition

Abstract

Abstract This article presents a new mathematical model for contrapuntal composition, based on the formalization of the concept of the Abstract Seed and on the use of transformational operators (keys and prolations). Unlike modern approaches, which are often complex and limited to a small number of voices, the proposed system introduces a new combinatorial logic, showing how the management of eight voices paradoxically makes the compositional process simpler than the management of two or three voices. The article further illustrates how, according to this theory, all the principal types of canons can be realized at any interval, including inverse, retrograde, retrograde-inverse, augmented, and proportional canons. The method, validated through algebraic formalization and systematic application to historical partimenti, is applicable to every species of counterpoint and proposes a shift beyond traditional pedagogy in favor of an approach based on matrices and potentially infinite keys. Sommario (Italian Version) Questo articolo presenta un nuovo modello matematico per la composizione contrappuntistica, basato sulla formalizzazione del concetto di seme astratto e sull'uso di trasformatori (chiavi e prolazioni). A differenza degli approcci moderni, spesso complessi e limitati a poche voci, il sistema proposto introduce una nuova logica combinatoria, mostrando come la gestione di otto voci renda paradossalmente più semplice il processo compositivo rispetto alla gestione di due o tre voci. Viene inoltre illustrato come realizzare, secondo questa teoria, tutti i principali generi di canoni, a qualsiasi intervallo, compresi quelli inversi, retrogradi, retrogradi inversi, aumentati e per prolazione. Il metodo, validato attraverso la formalizzazione algebrica e l'applicazione sistematica ai partimenti storici, è applicabile a ogni specie di contrappunto e propone un superamento della didattica tradizionale a favore di una visione basata su matrici e chiavi potenzialmente infinite.

This preprint establishes the formal mathematical model; historical and pedagogical implications will be developed in subsequent publications.

Keywords

Pythagorean theory, Combinatorial music theory, Musicology, Applied Mathematics, Partimento, Neapolitan school, FOS: Mathematics, Matrix composition, Counterpoint, Canon, Interdisciplinary Studies, Algorithmic composition, Mathematical music theory

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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