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Bronze Quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“In accordance with the foregoing investigations on mathematical principles, let bronze vessels be made, proportionate to the size of the theatre, and let them be so fashioned that, when touched, they may produce with one another the notes of the fourth, the fifth, and so on up the double octave.” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio
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“In accordance with the foregoing investigations on mathematical principles, let bronze vessels be made, proportionate to the size of the theatre, and let them be so fashioned that, when touched, they may produce with one another the notes of the fourth, the fifth, and so on up the double octave.”

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

About This Quote

Source Treatise: De Architectura (Roman architecture)

Bronze vessels should be sized to the theatre and tuned to produce harmonious musical intervals when struck together.

In simple terms: Design instruments for harmonious sound.

Key Takeaway

Create proportionate, resonant designs.

Themes

architecture music proportion harmony craftsmanship

Mood

analytical technical

Type

technical educational

When to use this quote

  • theatre construction
  • instrument making
  • sound design

Key Concepts

acoustics engineering design theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does proportion affect sound?
  • What modern materials could replace bronze?
A Different Perspective

Practical constraints may limit ideal proportions.

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