The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism, and Sound - Couverture souple

Beament, James

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0198167393 ISBN 13 : 9780198167396

Editeur : Oxford University Press, 1998

Synopsis

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.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

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.

Revue de presse

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)

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Oxford University Press
• Date d'édition: 1998
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0198167393
• ISBN 13: 9780198167396
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 264
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible