Physics of the Alphorn: Harmony, Overtones and Natural Scale

by Sven Reiche (PSI - Paul Scherrer Institut)

Monday 16 Jun 2025, 16:00 → 17:00 Europe/Zurich

WBGB/019

The Alphorn is a tradition instrument from the mountain regions of the Alps and was used historically by the shepherds to call-in the freely roaming cows in the evening. Unlike other instruments its base tone cannot be changed, and the alphorn relies entirely on the overtone series of the instrument for playing melodies and its unique challenges for harmony.

This presentation gives a brief history on harmonics, overtones, and temperaments, going back to the teaching of Pythagoras, and how the alphorn fits into this tradition of tuning with its natural scale of overtones. The background and physics of the alphorn is given and how it has its impact on classical and modern music.