Chladni und die Entwicklung der experimentellen Akustik um 1800 (Q1059623)

The author describes the development of acoustics as related to the research of Ernst Florens Friedrich Chladni (1756-1827). His brief biography of Chladni reveals the extent to which Chladni was interested in the construction of musical instruments and in the theories of harmony. The article shows how the new theories of musical composition and the progress in the construction of musical instruments stimulated experimental research on acoustics. He notes in conclusion, however, that violin makers made less use of the new results than might be expected and he suggests that the relationship between the study of acoustics and the design of musical instruments needs further research.