Jonathan D Worcester

The Scales of Heaven and Earth Jonathan D Worcester

The Scales of Heaven and Earth reveals the tonal foundation of the ancient musical scales of India. Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra, Dattila's Dattilam, and Sharngadeva's Sangita Ratnakara, three ancient authoritative texts, describe the microtones (Shrutis), notes (Svaras), and basic scales (Gramas) that were fundamental to the ancient music. This book carefully explores the logic of this system, giving the relevant original Sanskrit passages with their translations, and contrasts it with the natural temperament of modern Indian classical music and the equal temperament of the West. The author has tested the ancient scales and found that the music produced with them is aesthetic and uniquely beneficial. The effects of the scales said to be used only in Heaven are particularly interesting.

The book also recounts some points in Sangita Ratnakara suggesting absolute pitch and proposes starting points for research in this area.

Basic calculations for instrument making and tuning are also included.

The text is complemented with numerous charts.

The precise intervals between the notes of the scale are an important part of music and produce a subtle effect. The ancient system of India has a unique value and is worthy of investigation and use.