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

Lecture 3 (9/14)

Simple harmonic (sinusoidal) oscillations and examples from physical systems -- mass on spring, pendulum,...  Sine wave definitions.  Nonlinear (anharmonic) restoring forces.  Periodicity in music, from individual sine wave frequencies to vibratos and rhythmical modulations   

Reading: Hall 2.4-2.5

Demonstrations:

3A20.35   Mass cart between springs

3A95.u2   Chaotic pendulum

3A70.25   Coupling spring pendulums

Music Played:

    Antonio Vivaldi -- Winter from The Four Seasons ("shivering" music)

    Darius Milhaud -- Introduction and Conclusion from Creation of the World (vibrato in instruments)

    Eartha Kitt -- C'est Si Bon; Dinner for One Please James (vocal vibrato)

    Stan Freberg -- Hilarious Parody of Kitt's C'est Si Bon

    Ludwig Beethoven -- Symphony No. 8, 2nd movement (the metronome)