Is the universe a vast, resonant instrument waiting to be heard by us?
In short: Composer and academic Milton Mermikides explores the ancient and modern intersection of music, nature, and the cosmos. This lecture examines how humanity translates everything from planetary movements to seismic activity into sound, revealing the fundamental connection between physical vibration and musical expression.
Since the time of Pythagoras, thinkers have conceptualized the universe as a harmonic system. This lecture bridges the gap between artistic interpretation and scientific data, showcasing how composers like Holst and Villa-Lobos drew inspiration from the heavens and the built environment. Mermikides demonstrates how contemporary scientists now convert celestial frequencies and earthquake tremors into audible sound, highlighting that existence itself is defined by pitch, resonance, and melody.
Recorded on 25th February 2026 at LSO, London, the lecture draws on Mermikides' background as a technologist and educator. Raised by a CERN nuclear physicist, he brings a unique perspective shaped by both the arts and sciences, having collaborated with figures ranging from Brian Eno to Evelyn Glennie.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Music of Earth and Space - Milton Mermikides
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