Music
While some instruments (trombone, theremin, etc.) can play a tone at any arbitrary frequency, other instruments (such as pianos) can only play a limited set of tones. The very popular "twelve-tone equal temperament" selects tones from the geometric sequence
where k is typically 440 Hz, though other standards have been used. However, other less common tuning systems have also been historically important as preferred audio frequencies.
Since 210≈103, 21/12≈103/120=101/40, and the resultant frequency spacing is very similar to the R40 series.
Read more about this topic: Preferred Number
Famous quotes containing the word music:
“Through music the passions enjoy themselves.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (18441900)
“When in our music God is glorified,
and adoration leaves no room for pride,
it is as though the whole creation cried Alleluia!”
—Frederick Pratt Green (b. 1903)
“Words move, music moves
Only in time; but that which is only living
Can only die. Words, after speech, reach
Into the silence.”
—T.S. (Thomas Stearns)