Good vibrations The physics of music

Physics has its origins in the interactions of human senses with the environment. Traditional textbooks address these areas through such topics as light and sound. Good Vibrations deals, in a nontechnical manner, with the very interesting subject of the physics of music. Parker (emer., physics, Idaho State) begins with a brief discussion of musical notation and terminology; this text could use some elaboration. Thereafter, in four sections, he discusses the creation and perception of sound and the physical nature of sound as it is transmitted in the form of wave disturbances in various media; the way music is made, with specific reference to scales, chords, and rhythm; the workings of popular stringed and wind instruments such as the piano, violin, trumpet, and clarinet, as well as the human voice; and the use of modern electronics to create music and its influence on how people perceive music. Although the book is accessible to anyone willing to consider the most basic of symbolism and jargon, it cannot serve as a textbook. The author's discussion of specific singers from different musical genres omits mention of non-Western music forms, which is a shortcoming. Includes good diagrams to explain descriptions and some suggested readings. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels and libraries. N. Sadanand Central Connecticut State University