Measured Tones: The Interplay of Physics and Music

ISBN-13: 9781420093476 / Angielski / Twarda / 2009 / 456 str.

Ian Johnston

Opis

Most books concerned with physics and music take an approach that puts physical theory before application. Consequently, these works tend to dampen aesthetic fascination with preludes burdened by an overabundance of algebraic formulae. In Measured Tones: The Interplay of Physics and Music Third Edition, Ian Johnston a professor of astrophysics and a connoisseur of music, offers an informal historical approach that shows the evolution of both theory and application at the intersection of physics and music. Exceptionally accessible, insightful, and now updated to consider modern technology and recent advances, the new edition of this critically acclaimed and bestselling classic

• Features a greater examination of psycho-acoustics and its role in the design of MP3s
• Includes expanded information on the gamelan and other Asian percussion instruments
• Introduces detailed discussions of binary notation, digitization, and electronic manipulation of music

We believe that order exists, and we look for it. In that respect the aims of science and of music are identical the desire to find harmony. And surely, without that very human desire, science would be a cold and sterile undertaking. With myriad illustrations and historical anecdotes, this volume will delight those student required to approach this topic from either a physics and music concentration, as well as anyone who is fascinated with concepts of harmony expressed in nature, as well as in the instruments and composition of human expression s purest form. A complementary website provides sound files, further reading, and instructional support."

Spis treści

Why These and Not Others? Length of strings. Harmonious Intervals. Pythagoras. Pentatonic and Pythagorean Scales. Ptolemy. Boethius. Music and Scientific Method. Medieval Music. Josquin. Copernicus. Kepler. Galileo. Vibrations. Pendulums and Strings. Consonance. Measurement of Frequency. Standards of Pitch. Interlude 1. Brass Instruments. Harmonies of a Mechanical Universe. Mechanical Forces. Energy. Oscillation Theory. Mersenne’s Laws. Baroque Music. Instruments. Equal Temperament. Interlude 2. The Piano. Overtones of Enlightenment. Newton and the Age of Reason. Visualization of Oscillations. Overtones. Harmonic Analysis and Synthesis. Rameau and Harmony. End of the Enlightenment. Interlude 3. The Violin. Over the Waves. Wave Theory. Speed of Sound. Wave Properties: Reflection, Absorption, Diffraction. Huygens and Young. Standing Waves. Interlude 4. Acoustics in Architecture. The Romance of Electricity. The Romantic Movement. Study of Electricity, Faraday. Acoustics. Energy Coupling and Acoustic Impedance. Mismatch Theorem. Standing Waves in Air Columns. Interlude 5. Woodwind Instruments. Summertime in Heidelberg. Wagner and Helmholtz. Theory of Resonance. Working of the Ear. Pitch Recognition and Discrimination. Psycho-Acoustics. Theory of Consonance. Interlude 6. Percussion Instruments. O brave New World. Communication Devices: Microphones, Gramophones, Valves, Transistors. Effect on Music. Modern Sound Engineering: Frequency Response, Transients. Technology. Interlude 7. Electronic Instruments. I think, Therefore I am. Theory of Communication. Information. Computers. Computer Composition. Interlude 8. Sublimest of Instruments, the Voice.