Type: Book
by
- Harry F. Olson
This extraordinarily comprehensive text, requiring no special background in physics, math or music, discusses the nature of sound waves, musical instruments, musical notation, acoustic materials, elements of sound reproduction systems-from the telephone to stereo sound systems-and electronic music. "Very thorough, and full of well-presented facts."-Musical Times. 376 figures.
MUSIC, PHYSICS
AND ENGINEERING
HARRY F. OLSON
Now thoroughly revised and enlarged, this book offers the most comprehensive
coverage available of all aspects of the production, reception, and reproduction
of sound. Written clearly and concisely, all its chapters can be understood
without specialized training in music, physics, engineering, or mathematics.
Dr. Olson discusses the nature of sound waves; explains the division of sound
into scale patterns and the traditional method of notating them; describes the
individual characteristics of all musical instruments currently in use (including
the human voice); shows how the ear hears; discusses concert hall and recording
studio acoustics, amplification systems, etc; describes the elements of sound
reproduction systems from the telephone to the stereo record player; and concludes
with a new chapter on the production, development, and potentialities of
electronic music.
Under these broad headings, readers will find a close analysis of the way in
which a violin produces sound; descriptions of carbon, crystal, dynamic, velocity,
and unidirectional microphones; a comparison of the relative absorbency of 22
acoustic materials, building materials, and objects; a description of how music
can be produced by a digital computer; and much, much more. Conductors will find
suggestions on positioning their orchestras; performers will under-stand the
dynamics of their instruments; recording engineers and acousticians will discover
a remarkably comprehensive reference work; and music teachers, students,
physicists, and enthusiasts in general will find easy access to a vast wealth of
information.
2nd (1967) edition, corrected and enlarged. New to this edition: material on
acoustics in all types of listening areas (from cars to concert halls); material
on monaural, binaural, monophonic, and stereophonic reproducing systems, and
magnetic tape sound reproducing systems; chapter 10 on electronic music, music
composed by computers, etc.; and over 70 illustrations. Bibliography. Index.
379 figures. 36 tables. 5 3/8 x 8½. Paperbound
ISBN 0-486-21769-8
9 780486 217697
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