Divisions of the Octave

Harmonics

The Pythagorean divisions of the octave are and have been widely considered to be "beautiful" proportions. Their source is the numeric values describing the relationships between lengths of strings where harmonies are generated. These same proportions are used in the creation of plastic artworks (particularly buildings), and are thought to enhance the beauty and harmony of the works. Of course, they work quite well in creating beautiful music as well.

Music and harmony -- scales, harmonies, overtones, later scales

Harmonics and Pythagorean number theory, Vitruvius

[]Alberti, []Palladio

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Copyright (c) 1997 -- Mike Fletcher
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