Show Notes
For Episode One of my new piano podcast, I thought the Harmonic Series might be a suitable place to start, because it is the scientific underpinning of our entire tonal system, expounding eloquently the pre-ordained. mathematical relationships between notes of the scale - be they harmonious, or dissonant, in nature. I shall attempt to break down what exactly is meant by the Harmonic or ‘Overtones’ Series, and offer an explanation as to why our scale is divided into twelve equal intervals, forming the basis of our diatonic - major and minor - understanding of music.
Unbeknownst to most of us, when we listen to a particular note, or ‘tone’ - for example, as played on the keyboard of a piano, bowed against the string of a violin, struck on the side of a bell, blown through a flute, or even sung by a vocalist - we are actually hearing a long and unique series of interrelated tones, possessing sympathetic vibrations with one another, on the factual basis that each sound wave oscillates at multiple divisions at once. These multiple frequencies, at the fundamental, half, third, quarter, and so on, cause harmonics, or overtones, thus giving each particular note its individual quality or ‘timbre’.
When a low C on the piano is struck, with a frequency [in Hertz] of 65, it also produces faint, related overtones, at each multiple above, thus 65, 130, 195, and so on. This in part explains the richness and complexity we hear in low base notes, as our ears [consciously or otherwise] are able to pick out elements of the Harmonic Series.
If you have an acoustic or digital piano to hand, or if you are just moderately interested in the instrument: grab a drink, and sit down with me for half an hour, as we unpick the extraordinary, fascinating divinity of sound!
For further information, please visit my website: whaviland.com/podcast
More from Piano Key A to G
Greetings to all new listeners! And to those of you returning: a sincere thank you for waiting so patiently. This is my return to piano podcasting, and the first of 2026 - the absence will be properly explained in the episode.
Today's piano podcast is, in timely fashion, an homage to the fallen heroes who gave their lives so that we may have ours. I will be talking briefly about the history and symbolism of perhaps that most famous of bugle calls: The Last Post. Why is this short work so infused with solemnity and meaning in our collective conscious?
This podcast episode commences a new series, on contemporary pianists that I consider the absolute best currently recording. And, we had to start with my personal favourite, Canadian artist Jesse Brown! I discovered his music in 2018, and his catalogue has been my steadfast companion ever since. Given that I’ve always received the best recommendations of new music from friends - most often just via hearing their background playlists, and being curious - I thought it might be nice to share my own discovery journery with you. We’ll delve a little into the background of this composer, and also listen to snippets of three special works, analyse their genesis, and certain interesting features. Chosen tracks as follows: Flocks [2018] Havana 2012 [2019] Reading the Clouds [2021]
Okay, I admit: shameless plug for my latest album 'Cutting Room Floor: One Take Solo Piano' which released this week. But, I also felt it an opportunity to discuss elements of refining your recordings - and sometimes, just 'letting it be' is the key.
Initially this show was planned to showcase the many physical and mental gains we may experience, on deciding to study the instrument. However, I soon realized this was not going to make for a particularly original podcast! So, instead, I’ve decided to talk about three very personal benefits that studying the piano has gifted me. I hope this bitesize episode will be an enticement to you, at whatever stage of your life, to consider delving into the fascinating world of the keyboard.