Measured tones : the interplay of physics and music / Ian Johnston.
| Author/creator | Johnston, Ian D. |
| Format | Book |
| Edition | Second edition. |
| Publication Info | Bristol ; Philadelphia : Institute of Physics Publishing, ©2002. |
| Description | xiv, 406 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm |
| Subjects |
| Portion of title | Interplay of physics and music |
| Contents | 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 -- Brass instruments -- The harmonies of a mechanical universe -- Mechanical forces -- Energy -- Oscillation theory -- Mersenne's Laws -- Baroque music -- Instruments -- Equal temperament -- 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 -- The violin -- Over the waves -- Wave theory -- Speed of sound -- Wave properties: reflection, absorption, diffraction -- Huygens and Young -- Standing waves -- 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 -- Woodwind instruments -- Summertime in Heidelberg -- Wagner and Helmholtz -- Theory of resonance -- Working of the ear -- Pitch recognition and discrimination -- Psycho-acoustics -- Theory of consonance -- Percussion instruments -- O brave new world -- Communication devices: microphones, gramophones, values, transistors -- Effect on music -- Modern sound engineering: frequency response, transients. |
| Abstract | This book 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; and 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. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 369-374) and index. |
| ISBN | 0750307625 |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Music Stacks | ML3805 .J63 2002 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |