Graphical Analysis of Golden Ratio on Selected Works of Western Music

Abstract

The Golden Ratio is the key to achieving structural, functional and aesthetic balance and harmony in works of art. It is clear from the examples in nature and art that form and function are closely related. Given the lack of analysis on musical works from different periods of western classical music, it is challenging to find studies on the subject. This study fulfils this purpose by presenting the golden ratio on works from various periods with different musical approaches of western classical music and offering a method for analysing the golden ratio in such musical works. The method is a graphical representation of the whole of the music. It overcomes the problem that music cannot be seen as a whole, such as an architectural plan, at a single glance. This is because music writing uses temporally sequential units and often more than one page. The divisions of the golden ratio can be shown on a musical graphic that fits on a standard page width. This allows part-whole relationships to be clearly analysed.

Keywords

• music
• composition
• golden ratio
• musical form
• music analysis