This past generation, they have been inventing an original
music devices into a computer programs, software that can be used on android
phones and other technical devices. This is one of the devices that were
changed during time. Metronome is a device that produces beats and it is used
for musician to keep a steady tempo as they play. In 1815, Johann Maelzel
invented the Metronome whom is a greatly respected musician respected him and improver
for musicians.
The history
of Metronome started from a pendulum. Pendulum is a weight that delays the
central point to swing freely. Due to gravity, it will go back and forth
slowly, when there is no pressure. When Etienne Loulie first made it in 1696,
it was adjusted from Pendulum, but it wasn’t complete because the mechanic
metronome couldn’t produce sounds. After couple of tries, it was finally made and
unable to manufacture the material for musician and composers to access them
through their music.
There are
another types of metronomes, which are electronic metronomes. The difference
between electronic and mechanic is that electronic uses quartz crystal to
maintain the accuracy. It is easier to use due to the simple dial or button to
control whatever the tempo people desire to practice in. On an electronic
metronome also provides tuning notes that are ranged to A440 hertz. The tone
quality is more updated. It contains the difference of pitch, volume and timbre
that blends to the downbeats from other beats, that tells us whether it is
simple or compound time signatures.
Finally,
the last type of metronome is software. In our modern generation, musician and
composers do not use the mechanical metronomes, because the weight of the
device is quite heavy. Since the technology has been updated, people use
computer software or phone applications for metronome. Even I use them on my
phone due to the convenience. Phone applications are easier to use, because
people have their phone all the time and also the easy accessibility.
This is a very interesting concept for someone like myself who is not very musically inclined. It is interesting to also see how technology has changed over time, which you describe very intricately. I would assume that a metronome would be a valuable tool to a musician, and the fact that one can utilize one on their phone, which they carry around at all times, is quite handy.
ReplyDeleteAlleana, this is a great post. Metronomes are a very important piece of technology for us musicians. Without them, we would not have a reference of time for us to practice with and keep up with. I do appreciate having my digital metronome handy to keep my time honest when I'm playing, and it's great to have music students understand what it is and to have them use it for their practice as early as possible.
ReplyDeletePracticing with a metronome is imperative for all musicians. It helps us internalize tempo when performing without them. I enjoyed how you went through the history of the metronome in detail. One thing that you could have elaborated more on was how the new electronic metronomes subdivide the beats in a large variety of different ways. This is extremely helpful, and something that metronomes have never been able to do before. Also, electronic metronomes have many other features now available. For example, my metronome has a built in tuner, it produces/sounds every pitch (not just A440), and has the temperature/humidity displayed at all times. Temperature and humidity affects almost every single instrument, and is extremely important for us musicians to keep an eye on it because it can be extremely damaging to our instruments, particularly wooden instruments. There are many other useful features on these new electronic metronomes, it is important that we get students using these devices very early on in their development.
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