Physics 288/489: THE PHYSICS OF MUSIC   Fall, 2004

Lecture 1 (9/7)

Introduction to the course.  Music as divisions of time, rhythmical and tonal basis of Western music, with lots of examples.  Relationship between music and the physics of sound, and the critical (non-physics) role of psychology and perception. 

Reading: Hall 1.1-1.2; 2.1-2.3

Demonstrations:

    3B10.10-1   rope waves

    3B10.10-2   spring waves

    3C20.30   air-driven rotating siren disk   

Music Played:

    Gustav Mahler -- Symphony No. 9, 4th movement (emotional context of music)   

    Igor Stravinsky -- Dance of the Earth from ballet The Rite of Spring (rhythmical division of time)

    Igor Stravinsky -- Conclusion from ballet The Firebird (tonal division of time)

    Ludwig Beethoven -- Symphony No. 7, 2nd movement (simple rhythmical and tonal division of time)

    John Coltrane -- Ascension (example of free-form jazz)

    John Coltrane -- Giant Steps (more conventional!)

    Peter Tchaikovsky -- Fantasy to Romeo and Juliet (clichéd but vivid portrait of lovey-eyes)

    Richard Wagner -- Prelude to Act III of Die Walkure: "The Ride of the Valkyries" (music to voice)

    Charles Ives -- The Unanswered Question (music imitating voice)