Just intonation and tuning is a really fascinating subject to me. I think it says a lot about the nature of Western Civilization and what it was often unconsciously aiming for and the compromises it took to achieve that goal. Basically we traded being in tune for being able to traverse harmonic space from anywhere to anywhere else. …
Just intonation and tuning is a really fascinating subject to me. I think it says a lot about the nature of Western Civilization and what it was often unconsciously aiming for and the compromises it took to achieve that goal. Basically we traded being in tune for being able to traverse harmonic space from anywhere to anywhere else. We traded the music of the spheres for a musical grid (harmonious ratios for the 12th root of 2). I studied N. Indian Classical music for three years, which is hardly enough to scratch the surface, but it deeply changed how I interacted with the territory of music (rather than just knowing the map). It's well worth pursuing, in my view.
Jacob Collier is astounding. What I squint to see off in the distance and quickly lose in mist, he is sitting calmly in the middle of. It will be interesting to see what he comes up with as he gets older.
Awesome it's so cool that you know all about that stuff. Since I learned about it I haven't met anyone who really understands, or cares.
I felt betrayed at first, actually, by my music teachers in high school and college. Such an important topic, and I thought I was tone deaf! They all acted like the piano was ultimate expression of intonation -- like it was easy and obvious, when really it is so complex! There is certainly a lot one could read into the topic about the state and growth of our "culture".
It is so fascinating to me how even with "only" 12 notes we do so much. I guess the same could be said our Indian classical music, only 12 notes, but so much. I'm curious though about singing ratios of 7 with a tanpura...
I am about to head out to drive across the country. Yes, I do consider myself a musician. Learning music changes the brain--and more than just the brain. It leaves its indelible mark. Whether we ever play music again or not.
I hope to pick up this conversation on the other side of my trip. -Jack
Josh-
Just intonation and tuning is a really fascinating subject to me. I think it says a lot about the nature of Western Civilization and what it was often unconsciously aiming for and the compromises it took to achieve that goal. Basically we traded being in tune for being able to traverse harmonic space from anywhere to anywhere else. We traded the music of the spheres for a musical grid (harmonious ratios for the 12th root of 2). I studied N. Indian Classical music for three years, which is hardly enough to scratch the surface, but it deeply changed how I interacted with the territory of music (rather than just knowing the map). It's well worth pursuing, in my view.
Jacob Collier is astounding. What I squint to see off in the distance and quickly lose in mist, he is sitting calmly in the middle of. It will be interesting to see what he comes up with as he gets older.
I could talk on and on about tuning. -Jack
Awesome it's so cool that you know all about that stuff. Since I learned about it I haven't met anyone who really understands, or cares.
I felt betrayed at first, actually, by my music teachers in high school and college. Such an important topic, and I thought I was tone deaf! They all acted like the piano was ultimate expression of intonation -- like it was easy and obvious, when really it is so complex! There is certainly a lot one could read into the topic about the state and growth of our "culture".
It is so fascinating to me how even with "only" 12 notes we do so much. I guess the same could be said our Indian classical music, only 12 notes, but so much. I'm curious though about singing ratios of 7 with a tanpura...
Do you consider yourself to be a musician?
I am about to head out to drive across the country. Yes, I do consider myself a musician. Learning music changes the brain--and more than just the brain. It leaves its indelible mark. Whether we ever play music again or not.
I hope to pick up this conversation on the other side of my trip. -Jack