Dover 1992. Soft cover, 271 pp.
If you've ever wondered how a musical instrument produces the
sound it does, this book explains the physics of musical instruments in
an engaging and understandable way. Dr. Benade was a nuclear physicist,
flutist, and science educator with a special ability to explain complex
ideas in a simple, straightforward manner. In this book he brings that
ability to bear in elucidating the ways in which music is formed by many
different kinds of musical instruments. Dr. Benade first explores
simple and complex vibrating systems and the ear's reception of sound.
He then describes the fundamentals of the piano, violin, trumpet, bugle,
trombone, oboe, clarinet, flute, saxophone, and many other instruments,
demonstrating the sound-making capacities of each. For mechanically
inclined readers who are interested in constructing basic instrumental
models, Dr. Benade demonstrates how to build a working trumpet, flute,
and clarinet. Enhanced with clear diagrams and easy scientific models, Horns, Strings, and Harmony is a book that will increase the musical enjoyment and understanding of all musicians, music lovers, and amateur scientists.