Do you know what organology is? This science, which has centuries of history, is essential in music. Therefore, in this post, we will detail all its characteristics and its undoubted importance in understanding the history of musical instruments better.
What is organology? Origin
Organology is the study of musical instruments, taking into account their history and social function throughout human history. It also assesses the instruments’ design, their impact on the interpretation of a piece of music, and their classification.
You should know that the origin of organology dates back to the 4th century in China. It was not until two centuries later when, in a text entitled Chou-Li, the following classification of manufacturing materials appeared:
Stone.
Clay.
Wood.
Silk.
Leather.
Bamboo.
Pumpkin.
Metal.
In the 14th century, Chu Tsai Yu divided instruments into several groups. These were wind instruments, rhythm instruments, those requiring muscular strength, and those that accompany others. Curiously, although with different terminology, his classification remained in force until the 17th century. The simplification led to instruments being grouped into three sections: wind instruments, string instruments, and percussion instruments. However, this classification was too basic and it was decided to expand it after more detailed studies were carried out.
There are treatises from the 15th century that already include notions on this subject. Progressively, new studies appeared, such as Kircher’s Musurgia Universalis in 1650. All of them help to understand in a different way why some instruments are still used and others have stopped being played.
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Hornbostel and Sachs, the most renowned organologists
In 1914, they both published a treatise in which they classified instruments according to how they produced sound. Idiophones generate sound without stretching the material they are made of. Membranophones produce sound employing the vibration of a membrane that is struck. Chordophones create sound by plucking or rubbing one or more strings.
Aerophones generate music when air enters them and they are activated by a hole, reed, or lip pressure. Electrophones generate sound through an external or internal electrical amplification system.
Organology in the 21st century
The advent of technology has certainly made it possible to carry out more in-depth studies and to compare the results with those of previous treatises. Now, it is easier to know the internal structure of each piece and even to confirm when it began to be used to play music. Talks or seminars are frequent. At each meeting, an organologist, a luthier, a musician, and a historian discuss the corresponding information together. This discipline is of great importance.
It may seem to you that this field of research is not very broad, given the information you have read. However, in the archaeological sites that are discovered, new elements are always appearing. All the instruments had a recreational use and the ultimate goal was to create sound.
What is the purpose of organology?
Its main goal is to help players by providing them with very useful information about the instrument they play. It is also very important for luthiers, since, thanks to this information, they know the internal structure of each piece and how to achieve a specific sound.
Furthermore, the treatises on this discipline include aspects that connect essential factors. We refer to the musical style, the way of interpretation, or the evolution of instruments in different countries of the world. Therefore, it can be summarized that this research deals with the following:
Using scientific means to date, certify the authenticity of, and analyze ancient musical instruments.
Determine the methods used to design and produce instruments.
Analyze the technological and economic advances that could have caused a change in the design of instruments.
Is there an organological classification?
Yes. Researchers are responsible for classifying each object of study by evaluating issues such as the following:
What is the purpose of each instrument?
Where was it created?
How exactly is it played and how is the sound produced?
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What are the characteristics of organology?
It should not be forgotten that this science is directly related to history. Many historians resort to it to confirm certain theories. For example, some stringed instruments in the East later became common in Africa and Europe.
Through the influence of cultures, it is possible to confirm the migration flows and how music evolved. It is important to analyze the type of rhythms that were played and their influence on the popular music of the corresponding countries. You will be surprised to know how most rhythms have a common origin. The historical journey of music is always surprising.
On the other hand, the fundamentals that generate sound are also analyzed. The type of wave and the way of tuning are assessed. The propagation of sound in each type of space is one of the key points of any study.
Special attention is paid to the mechanisms that generate vibration, to the frequencies, and to the identification of each sound. The type of instrumental training according to the timbre or melody characteristics is not forgotten.
Train in organology
t Des Arts school we have a wide range of music courses to train you in this professional sector, with the Master’s degree in World Music being one of the most popular degrees among students. Through its training program, you will study:
Interculturality within the framework of the LOE.
Interculturality.
Origins of music in culture.
Expression and communication through music.
Traditional African music.
Oriental music: Chinese, Indian, and Japanese music.
Latin music.
This course has a total of 300 hours of course load and can be taken online or remotely, offering you the maximum possible training flexibility. In addition, you will have the advice and monitoring of a personal tutor throughout the training.
