This model generalizes musical theory to arbitrary timbres and tuning systems. It shows how the Pythagorean idea of simple integer frequency ratios being consonant is not fundamental, but a result of the design of common Western musical instruments. Instruments with enharmonic timbres, such as those used in Indonesian gamelan music, require different tuning. The underlying principal remains the same. Combined with synthesized timbres, this model allows for even more unusual tunings, without the dissonance usually associated with microtonal music.
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[ 3.6 ms ] story [ 14.1 ms ] threadThis model generalizes musical theory to arbitrary timbres and tuning systems. It shows how the Pythagorean idea of simple integer frequency ratios being consonant is not fundamental, but a result of the design of common Western musical instruments. Instruments with enharmonic timbres, such as those used in Indonesian gamelan music, require different tuning. The underlying principal remains the same. Combined with synthesized timbres, this model allows for even more unusual tunings, without the dissonance usually associated with microtonal music.