Physics professor and musician, Tim Cohen, joins the hosts to answer questions about the physics of music. They explore the 12-note scale, overtones in instruments, the physics of rhythm, the connection between number theory and music, and the physics of musical instruments like the flute, organ pipes, and saxophone.
The 12-note scale in Western music is based on the perfect octave and equal temperament, allowing for easy modulation between keys.
Musical instruments produce unique sounds due to their combination of dominant and subdominant frequencies, creating rich overtones and timbres.
Deep dives
The Physics of Music and Sound Generation
Sound is physically just pressure waves through air, with different frequencies and amplitudes giving us music and voices. Instruments produce different sounds due to their unique combination of dominant and subdominant frequencies.
The Mathematics of Musical Scales
The 12-note scale we use in Western music is based on the concept of the perfect octave, where two notes differ by a factor of two in frequency. Equal temperament, dividing the octave into 12 equal parts, allows for easy modulation between keys. The circle of fifths and perfect ratios like three halves also play a role in scale construction.
The Role of Overtones and Timbre in Musical Instruments
Musical instruments produce a combination of dominant and subdominant frequencies, creating rich overtones and unique timbres. Instruments like the oboe, which produce mostly pure tones, are used as tuning references in orchestras.
Rhythm, Intervals, and Instrument Design
Rhythm involves setting a pulse and dividing it into smaller intervals, often by powers of two or three. Instruments like the guitar use bending techniques to adjust pitches, potentially aiming for perfect intervals beyond the equal-tempered scale. The physics of flute sound generation involves a complex process of air stream turbulence and back-and-forth motion.
Where does the musical octave come from? What makes a C note a C? Why do different instruments sound different? Special guest Tim Cohen comes on to answer these questions and more. For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverse