The science of musical sound / John R. Pierce.
| Author/creator | Pierce, John R. |
| Format | Book |
| Edition | Revised edition. |
| Publication Info | New York : W.H. Freeman and Company, ©1992. |
| Description | xi, 270 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm |
| Subjects |
| Contents | Preface -- Sound, music, and computers -- Periodicity, pitch, and waves -- Sine waves and resonance -- Scales and beats -- Consonance and dissonance -- Consonance, dissonance, and harmony -- Ears to hear with -- Power and loudness -- Masking -- Other phenomena of hearing -- Architectural acoustics -- Sound reproduction -- Musical instruments, analysis, and synthesis -- Perception, illusion, and effect -- Appendices. Terminology ; Mathematical notation ; Physical quantities and units ; Mathematics and waves ; Reflection of waves ; Digital generation of sound ; The MIDI standard ; MAX. |
| Abstract | Behind the creation of any musical sound lies the complex processes of physics, electronics, mathematics, and human perception. The fascinating interplay of these factors is the focus of the author's work, in revised edition--a volume that covers the production of a single drumbeat and the wizardry of the latest recording and synthesizing techniques to explore where sound comes from and how we recognize and enjoy it as music. This book combines an explanation of the physics of musical instruments with an expert review of the principles of psychoacoustics. The latest research findings and the author's own firsthand experiences and insights inform the book's survey of the many aspects of this multifaceted field--including the physical and mathematical properties of sound waves, the relationship of sound to music, the physical correlates of consonance and harmony, the phenomena of hearing and sound perception, architectural acoustics, and much more. In addition, this book serves as an expert introduction to modern musical production. The author measures the far-reaching impact of the past decade's technological revolution by charting the emergence of computers in music, compact discs, and digital recording and synthesizing. He also looks ahead to the surprising, evolving MIDI standard that can link any keyboard to a digital synthesizer. Updating and expanding his 1983 volume, the author has provided an absorbing and practical exploration of the sources of music production and the psychology of music perception. This is a must volume for professional and amateur musicians and recording technicians, as well as acousticians, computer users, and anyone interested in music's scientific foundations. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| LCCN | 91046742 |
| ISBN | 0716760053 |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Music Stacks | ML3807 .P5 1992 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |