In 'Theory and Practice of Piano Construction', William Braid White takes readers on a journey through the evolution of the modern American pianoforte. While there have been many writers on the history and ancestry of the instrument, White's book provides an exposition of the correct principles of design in a form that possesses permanent value to the American manufacturer. The book analyzes each step in the making of a pianoforte, from the strings and resonance to the framing and mechanisms of percussion and touch. White's aim is to assist those who have already investigated, or who intend to investigate the whole problem, to a clearer and broader comprehension of a beautiful art.

While the history of musical instruments is nearly as old as civilisation itself, the science of acoustics is quite recent. By understanding the physical basis of how instruments are used to make music, one hopes ultimately to be able to give physical criteria to distinguish a fine instrument from a mediocre one. At that point science may be able to come to the aid of art in improving the design and performance of musical instruments. As yet, many of the subtleties in musical sounds of which instrument makers and musicians are aware remain beyond the reach of modern acoustic measurements. This book describes the results of such acoustical investigations - fascinating intellectual and practical exercises. Addressed to readers with a reasonable grasp of physics who are not put off by a little mathematics, this book discusses most of the traditional instruments currently in use in Western music. A guide for all who have an interest in music and how it is produced, as well as serving as a comprehensive reference for those undertaking research in the field.

This classic reference work, the best one-volume music dictionary available, has been brought completely up to date in this new edition. Combining authoritative scholarship and lucid, lively prose, the Fourth Edition of The Harvard Dictionary of Music is the essential guide for musicians, students, and everyone who appreciates music. The Harvard Dictionary of Music has long been admired for its wide range as well as its reliability. This treasure trove includes entries on all the styles and forms in Western music; comprehensive articles on the music of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Near East; descriptions of instruments enriched by historical background; and articles that reflect today’s beat, including popular music, jazz, and rock. Throughout this Fourth Edition, existing articles have been fine-tuned and new entries added so that the dictionary fully reflects current music scholarship and recent developments in musical culture. Encyclopedia-length articles by notable experts alternate with short entries for quick reference, including definitions and identifications of works and instruments. More than 220 drawings and 250 musical examples enhance the text. This is an invaluable book that no music lover can afford to be without.

Fully revised, this workbook remains the best way to prepare for ABRSM's Grade 5 Theory of Music Exam. Features a clear explanation of music notation, many worked examples and practice exercises, definitions of important words and concepts, specimen exam questions and helpful tips for students.

A sumptuous portrait comprising texts and images of the prestigious complex 565 Broome Soho in New York, designed by the Renzo Piano firm. This volume is dedicated to the 565 Broome Street skyscraper, the first residential building conceived by Renzo Piano and designed by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop in the city of New York. Developed by Bizzi & Partners, the double tower occupies a corner space in the SoHo district, close to the Hudson River. Rich and fascinating iconography and a text by Federico Bucci and Carol Willis describe the design, the main features of the building, and how it relates to the city and the light that surrounds it in a unique way. The photographic selection is divided into thematic chapters, starting from the representation of the building’s urban context and then illustrating the different parts of the project, the formal and structural characteristics of the towers, and the interiors. It also describes the contemporary artwork by Susumu Shingu that occupies the space between the towers.

Basic Music Theory takes you through the sometimes confusing world of written music with a clear, concise style that is at times funny and always friendly. The book is written by an experienced teacher using methods refined over more than ten years in his private teaching studio and in schools. --from publisher description.