Joseph Schillinger

Joseph Schillinger

Joseph Schillinger (1895-1943) was no ordinary composer. Born in Kharkov, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire, he was a musical innovator, theorist, and teacher who developed a comprehensive system of musical composition based on mathematical principles. This wasn't mere number-crunching; Schillinger believed that all artistic disciplines, from music to painting to dance, could be unified through a shared understanding of mathematical relationships. Imagine the sheer audacity of attempting to codify creativity itself! Schillinger's influence rippled through 20th-century American music, particularly in popular genres. He taught a dazzling array of students, including George Gershwin, who applied Schillinger's techniques to works like "Porgy and Bess." Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and even Disney animators sought his guidance, demonstrating the breadth of his system's appeal. While his methods weren't without their critics, who found them overly prescriptive, Schillinger's impact on the soundscape of the era is undeniable. Though Schillinger's name might not be as widely recognised as some of his students, his legacy lives on in the mathematical underpinnings of modern music and art. His book, "The Schillinger System of Musical Composition," remains a challenging but rewarding read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the creative process. Owning a print related to Schillinger is a nod to the hidden structures that shape our artistic experiences.