The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism, and Sound (Paperback)

James Beament

ISBN 10: 0198167393 / ISBN 13: 9780198167396

Published by OUP Oxford, Oxford, 2001

About this Item

Paperback. 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. 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. Assuming no scientific background, this unique book explains not only how a violin produces sound but also of how that sound causes what we hear. Drawing on extensive experience as a performer and composer, Beament includes down-to-earth advice on strings, maintenance, purchase, and children's instruments. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780198167396

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Violin Explained: Components, Mechanism, and Sound (Paperback)
• Publisher: OUP Oxford, Oxford
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198167393
• ISBN 13: 9780198167396
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

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. Assuming no scientific background, this unique book explains not only how a violin produces sound but also of how that sound causes what we hear. Drawing on extensive experience as a performer and composer, Beament includes down-to-earth advice on strings, maintenance, purchase, and children's instruments.

About the Author

James Beament is at Queen's College, Cambridge and an Emeritus Professor at the University.