Math, Music and the Mind

The music of J. S. Bach has influenced composers more than that of perhaps any other figure. His Trio Sonatas, in particular, offer some of the clearest insights into his pedagogy and have challenged generations of organists. For these reasons, they may also provide a uniquely powerful window into the structure of Bach’s music, and even into tonal music more broadly.

In this talk, Daniel will describe a collaborative project with the University of Michigan Organ Department to create high-precision digital recordings of these works, performed by students and faculty at varying skill levels. Using these digitization’s, together with direct representations of the musical scores, we investigate how music may be encoded in the mind.

The results challenge prevailing mathematical theories of music representation and reveal unexpected structural patterns in Bach’s compositions that invite further exploration. We also show how mathematical models of auditory processing in the brain can suggest new principles of musical composition.

Daniel's talk will take place on the Benjamin Frankling Stage located within Hall E followed by a recital at the Cathedral Basilica featuring organ works of J.S. Bach starting at 5:30pm.

Cathedral Basilica
1723 Race St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103

ABOUT ICM

The International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) is among the largest and most prestigious mathematical conferences worldwide. Held every four years, it is a showcase of contemporary mathematics and an opportunity for outstanding mathematicians from the global community to present the best work, covering all mathematical subfields and setting future directions for the field as a whole. The last U.S.-based ICM was held in 1986 in Berkeley, CA and after 40 years, the congress will return to Philadelphia, PA July 23-30, 2026.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

• Registration will close 1 hour prior to event.
• Please only register yourself and use your complete first and last name as it appears on your photo ID when filling in the form.
• Tickets under the same name do not count as registrations for others and each ticket must be registered under an individual attendee’s name. If you have a guest you would like to bring with you to this event, please send them the link to register so they can sign up on their own.
• Please note that the International Congress of Mathematicians will never ask for credit card information or require payment for registration to our free public events.
  

BUILDING ENTRY PROTOCOL

• Enter the Pennsylvania Convention Center via Broad St Atrium.
• Check-in at a kiosk to print a badge. All attendees must have a badge to enter the Hall E and the Benjamin Franklin Stage.
• Limited seating is available for this in-person event on a first-come, first-served basis.
  

INCLUDED WITH TICKET

• Exhibit Hall Access 2:00-6:00 PM
• Mathemalchemy
• Access to the Math Festival open to the public from 2:00 - 6:00 PM

All attendees must register in advance to attend this event. By registering, participants agree to follow the .

OTHER ICM OUTREACH INITIATIVES

• Math Festival Day 1 | Register Here
  Friday, July 24, 2026 2:00 - 6:00 pm
• Film Screening + Q&A of Journeys of Black Mathematicians Part 1: Forging Resilience| Register Here
  Friday, July 24, 2026 2:00 - 3:45 pm
• Film Screening + Q&A of Journeys of Black Mathematicians Part 2: Creating Pathways| Register Here
  Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00 am - 12:45 pm
• The Proof in the Code: A Conversation with Author Kevin Hartnett & Publisher Thomas Lin | Register Here
  Saturday, July 25, 2026 1:15 - 2:15 pm
• Math Festival Day 2 | Register Here
  Saturday, July 25, 2026 2:00 - 6:00 pm
• Math, Music and the Mind: Analysis of the Performed Trio Sonatas of J. S. Bach and Organ Performance at Cathedral Basilica | Register Here
  Saturday, July 25, 2026 5:00 - 6:30 pm
• From Classroom to Canvas: Creating the ICM Mural with Oluwafemi | Register Here
  Sunday, July 26, 2026 4:00 - 5:00 pm
• Felix Klein – Insights from the Outside| Register Here
  Sunday, July 26, 2026 5:00 - 6:30 pm
• Sandbox Films Screening of PHENOMENA| Register Here
  Sunday, July 26, 2026 7:30 - 10:00 pm
• The American Mathematical Society Presents: The Music of Mathematics | Register Here
  Tuesday, July 28, 2026 7:00 - 8:30 pm

COMPLETE PUBLIC LECTURES SERIES

• Public Lecture with Terence Tao | Register Here
  Friday, July 24, 2026 7:15-8:15 pm
• Public Lecture with Talithia Williams | Register Here
  Saturday, July 25, 2026 5:30-6:30 pm
• Public Lecture with Geordie Williamson | Register Here
  Sunday, July 26, 2026 3:30-4:30 pm
• Public Lecture with Manjul Bhargava | Register Here
  Monday, July 27, 2026 3:30-4:30 pm
• Public Lecture with Ingrid Daubechies | Register Here
  Tuesday, July 28, 2026 3:30-4:30 pm

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians