Music History/theory ? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

mcgwirefan · 02-01-2004, 04:28 PM

Okay, this is silly in a way, but my engineer husband asked me why notes have the names that they do. Why is C a C, etc? Naturally, a C vibrates at a different rate than a B or D, etc., but who gave them names?

Who decided on the major scale? Or, why is there no B# key, or a black key between every note on the piano? Get it?

If you have a real historical answer or website, pleas post.

*Marilyn Monroe* · 02-01-2004, 10:07 PM

The only one I know the answer to is why there is no B# key. It's the same thing as C...so why have 2 keys that make the same sound? Same with E#...it's just F.

mcgwirefan · 02-02-2004, 03:19 PM

I did know that, and it really wasn't the question. The questions are who named the notes as they are? When? and why? It's all based on mathematics also.

02-01-2004, 04:28 PM	#1
mcgwirefan Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 03, 2003 Posts: 458	Music History/theory ? Okay, this is silly in a way, but my engineer husband asked me why notes have the names that they do. Why is C a C, etc? Naturally, a C vibrates at a different rate than a B or D, etc., but who gave them names? Who decided on the major scale? Or, why is there no B# key, or a black key between every note on the piano? Get it? If you have a real historical answer or website, pleas post.
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02-01-2004, 10:07 PM	#2
Marilyn Monroe Diamonds... Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 24, 2001 Location: Where gentlemen actually prefer brunettes Posts: 4,811	The only one I know the answer to is why there is no B# key. It's the same thing as C...so why have 2 keys that make the same sound? Same with E#...it's just F.
	__________________ That certain night, the night we met. There was magic abroad in the air. There were angels dining at the Ritz. And a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square.

02-02-2004, 03:19 PM	#3
mcgwirefan Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 03, 2003 Posts: 458	thanks I did know that, and it really wasn't the question. The questions are who named the notes as they are? When? and why? It's all based on mathematics also.