The Science of Sound

Produced by Bell Telephone Laboratories, the recordings in this two-disc set “describe and demonstrate various phenomena of sound as an aid to understanding how sound is put to work for the benefit and pleasure” of human beings. Interweaving narration with sound effects, this educational documentary covers frequency and pitch as well as the differences between music and noise. The descriptions of the science on the albums can be quite technical and often utilize scientific and mathematical jargon, but the frequent use of sampled sounds to demonstrate the concepts helps makes the information approachable. Liner notes include a complete transcript and a guide to Folkways’ “Science on Records” series.