Mathematics can be as effortless as humming a tune; if you know the tune; writes Gareth Loy. In Musimathics; Loy teaches us the tune; providing a friendly and spirited tour of the mathematics of music -- a commonsense; self-contained introduction for the nonspecialist reader. It is designed for musicians who find their art increasingly mediated by technology; and for anyone who is interested in the intersection of art and science.In Volume 1; Loy presents the materials of music (notes; intervals; and scales); the physical properties of music (frequency; amplitude; duration; and timbre); the perception of music and sound (how we hear); and music composition. Calling himself "a composer seduced into mathematics;" Loy provides answers to foundational questions about the mathematics of music accessibly yet rigorously. The examples given are all practical problems in music and audio.Additional material can be found at http://www.musimathics.com.
#1669831 in eBooks 2011-01-15 2011-01-15File Name: B004INH3U0
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. History of architecture in AmericaBy CustomerUntil reading Dr. Kimball and Mr. Jefferson. I had not realized that no one knew that Jefferson was a gentleman architect. I thought everyone knew that Jefferson planned and built Monticello. University of Virginia. and had a hand in the design for the US Capitol.I was blown away when I learned that Dr. Fiske Kimball and his Wife. Marie. were the ones who dug into archives and attics to find Jeffersons drawings for Monticello. Kimballs went on to find drawings. diaries and notes for Benjamin Latrobe. They found and wrote about Jefferson as an architect. Latrobe and many architects who have designed many public buildings.I did find it helpful to have studied some architecture as Howard describes the drawings needed for a set of plans for a building. He also explains how each drawing is different and how it is used.I found the book fascinating. The author moved along quite easily and introduced the many people involved in building buildings. but also many architects working in America during the early years of the country.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great for fans of early United States architectural historyBy John P. JensenI always enjoy reading books about the architectural history of Washington. DC. and about the architectural works of Jefferson. and this book delivers. but offer so much more. The main title of the Kindle edition of this book is slightly misleading - while their is a definite focus on Jefferson throughout (where Dr. Kimball began his early academic research career). the book also discusses the careers and works of other little known architects and engineers from the early years of the United States. such as Benjamin Henry Latrobe ("the founding fathers of American architecture" as the subtitle for the book indicates on the printed cover but is not part of the description of the Kindle edition.) Mr. Howard writes in an engaging way - I am reading Mr. and Mrs. Madisons War now and will be seeking out other titles by Howard.13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. The Creation of American Architectual HistoryBy Ronald H. ClarkI originally decided to read this book because of my deep interest in Jefferson. I expected another recounting of Jeffersons building and rebuilding of Monticello. I was pleasantly surprised that this wonderful book is so very much more. The text intersperses with its discussion of American architecture the fascinating life and career of Dr. Fiske Kimball. who practically invented the discipline of American architectual history. And what a career he had--Michigan. NYU. UVA. the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. and most prominently as long-time director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He also wrote a number of important pathbreaking books. and worked on the Monticello restoration and the Jefferson Memorial. I had never heard of him; I am glad that deficiency has been remedied. But the author. himself a leading architectual historian with books on Jefferson and the "Colonial Houses" of Williamsburg. also includes discussion of such important early figures as William Buckland. LEnfant. Charles Bulfinch. James Hoban. and Samuel McIntire. Some 20th architects are included. such as John Russell Pope and Ferdinand C. Latrobe II. But a central theme remains the remarkable contributions that Jefferson made to early American architecture in such endeavors as the Virginia State House. the University of Virginia (see also Gary Wills fine book on this). and of course Monticello. Ironically. Jefferson submitted an anonymous entry in the competition to design what became the White House--and lost! A very fine and extremely well-written book. with outstanding illustrations. and highly useful bibliographical notes.
