On the Sensations of Tone

Rating:
Summary: I concur.
Review: Helmholtz's Sensations of Tone became an almost instant classic in the study of hearing when it was published in 1863. It combined the physics, physiology and psychological aspects of hearing in an attempt to explain the origins of musical harmony and dissonance. Though not easy reading, it is accessible to the non-specialist. However it also provides an important historical resource for the specialist and helps one to understand the origins of so much of contemporary hearing research. Indeed, in many ways Helmholtz reads more like a contemporary than a long-past founding father. The appendices provided by the translator are helpful as well. Finally, the inexpensive paperback edition from Dover makes this book an excellent bargain.

Rating:
Summary: An undisputed classic in the science of hearing and music
Review: Helmholtz's Sensations of Tone became an almost instant classic in the study of hearing when it was published in 1863. It combined the physics, physiology and psychological aspects of hearing in an attempt to explain the origins of musical harmony and dissonance. Though not easy reading, it is accessible to the non-specialist. However it also provides an important historical resource for the specialist and helps one to understand the origins of so much of contemporary hearing research. Indeed, in many ways Helmholtz reads more like a contemporary than a long-past founding father. The appendices provided by the translator are helpful as well. Finally, the inexpensive paperback edition from Dover makes this book an excellent bargain.

Rating:
Summary: Misprints.
Review: I found two misprints:

Page 412, last equation on that page, x_2 = -b/(2a). ... : On the right-hand side, there are five terms. Terms number 2 to 5 have to be multiplied by b. In term number 3, replace u^2 by v^2.

Page 417, second of the two equations, r_p = 16 B' B" . ... : The second of the two brackets in the denominator must be squared.

These two misprints occur also in the German original, possibly since 1863.

Rating:
Summary: The Godfather
Review: Published in 1877. This book contains three parts as follows;

PART I .... upper partial tones, and qualities of tone
PART II ... combinational tones and beats, consonance and dissonance
PART III... scales and tonality

The part I is the basis of modern synthesizers. From the part II Paul Hindemith elaborated a theory of fluctuation harmony ("craft of musical composition"). Inspired by the part III Harry Partch created his 43 scale ("genesis of a music"). They are children of Helmholtz. So, this is the most important book which influenced the musical thinkings of 20th century.

However the following books are recommended for criticizing the part III;
Max Weber: Die rationalen und soziologischen Grundlagen der Musik
Herbert Kelletat: Zur musikalischen Temperatur, J.S.Bach und seine Zeit

Rating:
Summary: historical reference
Review: This is the most historically significant treatment of musical acoustics easily available. The serious musician should keep a copy for reference, but I don't recommend that the novice start here. Some fascinating musical ramifications of elementary acoustics are to be found in PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

Rating:
Summary: I concur.
Review: This is worthwhile for the reasons already cited (so I need not rehearse them), but it is important to recognize that much of it has been superceded or disproved. I hope those prospective purchasers who have found their way here are aware of Juan Roederer's THE PHYSICS AND PSYCHOPHISICS OF MUSIC--very much recommended!