Musical Mathematics

Musical Mathematics by Cris Forster is a 944-page, beautifully bound hardcover book complete with 16 color plates. This magnum opus is divided into two parts. The first part, Chapters 1ñ9, encompasses the acoustics and tuning of string, percussion, and wind instruments. The second part, Chapters 10 and 11, focuses on Western tuning theory, as well as tuning theories from six civilizations around the world. These chapters include translations of texts never seen before, as well as side-by-side comparisons of tunings from various cultures. Finally, Chapters 12 and 13 describe a unique set of acoustic instruments the author has constructed over his lifetime. This book is an amalgam of the traditional and the novel. The author carefully delineates original sources from the classical texts in mathematics, acoustics, tuning history and tuning theory. He carefully builds on this scholarly work in a clear, concise format that allows readers to expand their understanding. Then, based on his vast experience in the world of acoustic instrument construction, he introduces original information and innovative concepts found nowhere else. Musical Mathematics is a fantastic book to turn to, whether solidifying knowledge or researching new interests. Josh Di Chiacchio, D.M.A.