The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism, and Sound (Paperback)

James Beament

ISBN 10: 0198167393 / ISBN 13: 9780198167396

Editore: OUP Oxford, Oxford, 2001

Riguardo questo articolo

Paperback. There are more curious beliefs about the violin than any other instrument. Physicists have now discovered how the violin family produce their sound, but this knowledge is not generally accessible to players and makers. In this book, now available in paperback, Sir James Beament, a distinguished scientist with a livelong involvement with musical instruments, explains, without asssuming any scientific background, how strings vibrate, and the role played by the bow, bridge, and body in producing sound. Those discoveries do not give a satisfactory explanation of what we hear, and the core of the book explains how the sound relates to the sensations it produces. This leads to the conclusion that most of the myths about violins are groundless, but also that nothing can be achieved by applying modern technology to making or playing. Practical advice on strings, maintenance, purchase and children's instruments completes the discussion. Throughout its history the violin has had a mystique with many curious beliefs. Physicists have now discovered how it produces its sound, though this knowledge is largely inaccessible to makers and players. Assuming no scientific background, this unique book explains not only how a violin produces sound but also of how that sound causes what we hear. Drawing on extensive experience as a performer and composer, Beament includes down-to-earth advice on strings, maintenance, purchase, and children's instruments. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Codice articolo 9780198167396

Dati bibliografici

• Titolo: The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism, and Sound (Paperback)
• Editore: OUP Oxford, Oxford
• Data di pubblicazione: 2001
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0198167393
• ISBN 13: 9780198167396
• Rilegatura: Paperback
• Condizione: new

Descrizione articolo

Riassunto

Throughout its history the violin has had a mystique with many curious beliefs. Physicists have now discovered how it produces its sound, though this knowledge is largely inaccessible to makers and players. This book explains how strings vibrate and the roles of the bow, bridge and body, glue and varnish, without assuming the reader has any scientific background. But physical sound is a poor indicator of the sensations it produces, and the core of the book explains how that sound relates to the sensations we hear. This leads to the conclusion that most of the myths are groundless, but also that nothing can be achieved by applying any modern technology to making or playing; indeed, it would be a disaster if that happened. Practical advice on strings, maintenance, purchase, and children's instruments conclude the discussion.

Recensione

a comprehensive look at what is known about the mechanics of the violin family. In a very readable and non-mathematical style he explains the nature of sound production...and confronts the question of tone assessment. Professor Beament's book is a refreshing read full of information which goes a long way to filling a distinct gap in the market. (The Strad)