Art Quote by Hermann von Helmholtz
“The formation of scales and of the web of harmony is a product of artistic invention, and is in no way given by the natural structure or by the natural behaviour of our hearing, as used to be generally maintained hitherto.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On the Sensations of Tone, 1863
Artistic scales are inventions, not natural; they arise from human creativity, not innate hearing.
In simple terms: Scales are human inventions, not natural.
Key Takeaway
Create music, don’t follow nature.
Themes
music
artistry
invention
Mood
analytical
creative
Type
musical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- composing
- instrument design
- education
Key Concepts
acoustics
theory
creativity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you break from traditional scales?
- What new sounds could you invent?
A Different Perspective
Natural perception may limit innovative structures.
