New Book Explores The Anatomy And Acoustic Of The Violin
Author John E. McLennan, Ph.D., has released an new book dedicated to the ‘anatomy ‘of the violin. The Sound Post in the Violin is the result of 30 years’ research into the functions of the sound post and its history. The incomparable and distinctive sound of the violin has captivated music enthusiasts for five hundred years. This book is dedicated to the future of the violin and its critical importance as a solo, chamber and orchestral instrument.
In the book, McLennan explores the sound-post’s function in maximizing the violin’s body’s monopole action and the sound it radiates, unlike earlier bowed string instruments that restricted this to the top plate. McLennan illustrates his research through six papers that were written from 1996 to 2015. The papers attempt to quantify the function of the sound-post and dispel myths of the violin’s early history. The author will address new and factual material that explores the best acoustic result for the violin.
“I was inspired to write the papers in this book which range from 2000 for the literature review (history) to a period from 2010 to 2015 for the others, I researched the instrument from 1985, hoping my findings would summarize the sound post’s history and record recent experimental results,” said McLennan. “There is still so much to learn about the violin, and I hope my book can guide readers to a new understanding of the musical instrument.”
John E. McLennan has been researching violin acoustics for thirty years using experimental methods. He is an accomplished engineer, skilled violin craftsman and an independent researcher. He graduated with a Master of Science from UNSW (1964) and a Ph. D. in violin acoustics from UNSW (2008). McLennan has been a member of the Catgut Acoustical Society since 1975.
The Sound Post in the Violin will take readers on a journey to discover the mechanics of violin acoustics and gain more in-depth knowledge and appreciation for this important musical instrument.
“The Sound Post in the Violin”
By John E. McLennan, Ph.D.
ISBN: 978-1-5043-2132-7 (softcover); 978-1-5043-2133-4 (eBook)
Available at Balboa Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
