How Music Works: A listener's guide to harmony, keys, broken chords, perfect pitch and the secrets of a good tune (Penguin classics) - Softcover
Have you ever listened to an incredible piece of music and wondered exactly why it makes you want to dance or cry? Are you mystified by how musicians just 'know' what notes to play next when they're improvising? Or why certain notes sound great together and others clash?
Discover the answers in this ear-opening tour of how music works. John Powell, a classically-trained composer and a physics professor, decided to write this entertaining, pain-free guide to the ingredients of music when he discovered that all the other books on the subject gave him a headache. Here he reveals the often little-known facts and fascinating science behind what we listen to, explaining the basics of harmony, scales, chords, keys and rhythm in a way that's easy for everyone to understand.
He also shows us why a note has a different sound to a normal noise, why Chinese people are more likely to have perfect pitch, and even why Beethoven and Led Zeppelin are musically similar.
This book reveals things that people who play music should know but often don't, and will help all of us - even if we can't read a note - increase our listening pleasure.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review:
Thoroughly accessible, and occasionally revelatory ... It's hard to imagine how Powell could have done a better job (Spectator)
About the Author:
John Powell holds a PhD in Physics from Imperial College, London and a Masters' Degree in Music Composition from Sheffield University. He divides his time between scientific research, running a laser firm and composing music, and is a Visiting Professor of Materials Science (specialising in laser research) at The University of Nottingham (UK) and The University of Lulea (Sweden).
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherParticular Books
- Publication date2010
- ISBN 10 1846143152
- ISBN 13 9781846143151
- BindingPaperback
- Edition number1
- Number of pages272
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Discover the secrets of how music works in this straight-talking, funny account of its nuts and bolts (or notes and instruments)Have you ever listened to an incredible piece of music and wondered exactly why it makes you want to dance or cry? Are you mystified by how musicians just 'know' what notes to play next when they're improvising? Or why certain notes sound great together and others clash?Discover the answers in this ear-opening tour of how music works. John Powell, a classically-trained composer and a physics professor, decided to write this entertaining, pain-free guide to the ingredients of music when he discovered that all the other books on the subject gave him a headache. Here he reveals the often little-known facts and fascinating science behind what we listen to, explaining the basics of harmony, scales, chords, keys and rhythm in a way that's easy for everyone to understand.He also shows us why a note has a different sound to a normal noise, why Chinese people are more likely to have perfect pitch, and even why Beethoven and Led Zeppelin are musically similar.This book reveals things that people who play music should know but often don't, and will help all of us - even if we can't read a note - increase our listening pleasure. Have you ever listened to an incredible piece of music and wondered exactly why it makes you want to dance or cry? Are you mystified by how musicians just 'know' what notes to play next when they're improvising? Or why certain notes sound great together and others clash? This title lets you discover the answers to these questions. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781846143151
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How Music Works: A listener's guide to harmony, keys, broken chords, perfect pitch and the secrets of a good tune
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 272 pages. 8.43x5.12x0.87 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __1846143152
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How Music Works: A listener's guide to harmony, keys, broken chords, perfect pitch and the secrets of a good tune
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Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Have you ever listened to an incredible piece of music and wondered exactly why it makes you want to dance or cry? Are you mystified by how musicians just 'know' what notes to play next when they're improvising? Or why certain notes sound great together and others clash? This title lets you discover the answers to these questions. Seller Inventory # B9781846143151
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How Music Works: A Listener's Guide to Harmony, Keys, Broken Chords, Perfect Pitch and the Secrets of a Good Tune
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Book Description Condition: New. 2010. 01st Edition. Paperback. Have you ever listened to an incredible piece of music and wondered exactly why it makes you want to dance or cry? Are you mystified by how musicians just 'know' what notes to play next when they're improvising? Or why certain notes sound great together and others clash? This title lets you discover the answers to these questions. Num Pages: 272 pages, B&W integrated. BIC Classification: AVA. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 214 x 134 x 21. Weight in Grams: 298. . . . . . Seller Inventory # V9781846143151
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How Music Works: A Listener's Guide to Harmony, Keys, Broken Chords, Perfect Pitch and the Secrets of a Good Tune
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Book Description Condition: New. 2010. 01st Edition. Paperback. Have you ever listened to an incredible piece of music and wondered exactly why it makes you want to dance or cry? Are you mystified by how musicians just 'know' what notes to play next when they're improvising? Or why certain notes sound great together and others clash? This title lets you discover the answers to these questions. Num Pages: 272 pages, B&W integrated. BIC Classification: AVA. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 214 x 134 x 21. Weight in Grams: 298. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # V9781846143151
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How Music Works : A Listener's Guide to Harmony, Keys, Broken Chords, Perfect Pitch and the Secrets of a Good Tune
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