Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson

This book examines microtonality through the tuning theories of Erv Wilson. It addresses the breadth and complexity of his work by using microtonal keyboard designs to investigate his tuning concepts and their practical applications. It considers materials from historical and experimental tunings to instrument design, and musical applications of mathematical theories and multidimensional geometry. It joins theoretical and practical methods of tuning to enable composers, performers, and instrument designers to explore microtonality, contributing to music theory, composition and technology.

Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer in music at the University of Wollongong, Australia. She is a composer, performer, and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her projects include acoustic and electronic music, works for film and theatre, and a research collaboration to develop microtonal flutes using 3D printing.

1. Introduction: Microtonality and the Enigma of Erv Wilson 2. Microtonal Keyboards 3. Mapping Linear Scales on Wilson's Generalized Keyboard 4. Moments of Symmetry and the Scale Tree 5. Mapping Constant Structures and Navigating New Pathways 6. Cross-Sets, Diamonds and Combination-Product Sets 7. Conclusion