COLLOQUIUM ARTS MEET SCIENCES/Thomas Noll & Bostjan Marko Turk
Organisation and Chair:
Prof. Violeta Dinescu, Dean EASA, Class III
Prof Dr.Dušan Šuput, Dean EASA, Class II
ART & SCIENCE:
THOMAS NOLL: Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya, Barcelona
TOPIC: Musical Inspirations from Quantum Theory
ABSTRACT
In recent years one may observe a growing interest in musical applications of quantum ideas and quantum computing. In my presentation I will focus on the theoretical side, starting from three music-theoretical motivations for the study of quantum wave functions on a one-dimensional configuration space. The source for the first motivation is a possible connection between the diatonic system (with its double articulation in terms of step intervals and fifths/fourths) on the one hand and a central aspect of (classical) Hamiltonian dynamics, on the other: conjugated variables (such as position and impulse). The second motivation originates in successful applications of the Fourier-Transform in abstract Music Theory, first and foremost the Fourier Transform of pitch class sets and rhythms. To understand these observations as motivations for a quantum approach, one has to take into account that conjugated variables form a bridge between the Hamiltonian formulation of Classical mechanics and Quantum mechanics, where the Fourier Transformation mediates between the position and impulse representations of a quantum wave function. The third motivation is connected to both above mentioned ones, but it brings a further aspect into play: the role of probability distributions in empirical studies of tonal attraction. In quantum theory probability distributions result from he wave functions which follow an underlying dynamics, which is governed by the Hamilton operator (Energy operator). I will report on an approach to reconstruct the Krumhansl/Kessler pitch class profiles in this way and discuss some consequences.
In the last part of the talk I will illustrate this approach with a concrete musical experiment, exploring new ways for creating heterophonic processes.
Prof. Dr. BOŠTJAN MARKO TURK
Dean, Class I, EASA
Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana
TOPIC: The distinctive iconographic features of The Annunciation by Slovenian expressionist France Kralj
ABSTRACT
France Kralj’s Annunciation (1922) departs from traditional depictions of the biblical theme by fusing the figures of the Virgin Mary and the angel Gabriel into a single, unified form. This mystical compositional choice expresses a theological vision of divine time, inspired by Saint Augustine, Boethius, Thomas Aquinas, C. S. Lewis, and Paul Tillich. In this framework, divine time transcends human linearity and converges past, present, and future into one eternal moment. Kralj’s depiction thus reflects the simultaneity of divine conception and human waiting, blending theological insight with innovative visual expression. His restrained palette and expressive form, merging expressionist, mannerist, and cubist elements, intensify the painting’s spiritual and emotional impact. Positioned within the socio-political context of the early 20th century, the painting also functions as a subtle act of cultural resistance, asserting Slovenian identity and spiritual autonomy against prevailing ideological pressures. Moreover, the painting introduces a theologically grounded eroticism, portraying conception as a sacred union of the divine and human, echoing the prelapsarian purity of Adam and Eve. Through this, Kralj engages with the Chalcedonian doctrine of Christ’s dual nature. The result is a deeply layered work that bridges sacred art, political commentary, and theological reflection through a uniquely Slovenian lens.
Introduction: Prof. Dr.Dr.h.c.mult.KLAUS MAINZER, President EASA, Former Full Professor of Philosophy and Philosophy of Science at TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, Munich.
