In this engaging, free presentation, Dr. Lewis explores the science behind sound using simple visuals—no math required.
Ever wonder why a tuba is bigger than a trumpet—or why a single violin sounds different from an entire string section? Or why the same melody can feel different in another key?
Join Dr. Elmer Lewis, professor emeritus and acclaimed science communicator, for a captivating lecture titled “The Physics of Music—Without the Equations.” In this engaging presentation, Dr. Lewis explores the science behind sound using simple visuals—no math required.
From the formation of sound waves in strings and tubes to how our ears interpret pitch, volume, and tone, this talk reveals the physical principles that shape music. Learn why instrument size affects pitch, why 10 violins don’t just double the volume of five, and how harmonics give each instrument its unique voice. Along the way, Dr. Lewis will also celebrate legendary physicist-musicians like Pythagoras, Galileo, and Einstein.
Whether you’re a music lover, a science enthusiast, or just curious about how the world works, this free talk offers fresh insight into the hidden physics behind the sounds we love.
August 30 at 1:00 pm
The Clearing Folk School – Schoolhouse, Ellison Bay
A complete 2025 summer brochure can be downloaded at www.midsummersmusic.com.
Midsummer’s Music was co-founded in 1991 by Jim and Jean Berkenstock, long-time Door County summer residents and principal orchestral players with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. What began as two concerts among friends has become one of the Midwest’s most anticipated chamber music series, bringing thousands of chamber music enthusiasts from around the globe to the magical Door County Peninsula.
For more information visit www.midsummersmusic.com
High-resolution photo – Elmer Lewis (credit Midsummer’s Music): https://www.midsummersmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img_0817-cropped.jpg
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For Calendar Listings:
César Franck Piano Quintet
Pick the five greatest Piano Quintets in the literature and Franck’s has to be among them. Saint-Saëns was the pianist at the premiere. Here is an opportunity to hear Jeannie Yu in her favorite repertoire. Flutist Heather Zinninger returns to perform Amy Beach’s colorful and evocative Theme and Variations with strings. This program will close our season at our annual Labor Day Gala at Björklunden. A special and celebratory afternoon indeed!
Theme and Variations in A Minor, Op. 80 – Amy Marcy Beach
Quintet in F Minor – César Franck
August 24, 4:00pm, Hope UCC, 141 S 12th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
August 27, 7:00pm, Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church, 11836 WI 42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
September 1, 3:00pm, 7590 Boynton Ln., Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
The Majesty of Schubert’s Octet
Schubert’s Octet was inspired by Beethoven’s Septet, which was immensely popular. Schubert adds a second violin to the ensemble. It is his chamber music answer to the Great C-Major Symphony—a masterpiece of immense proportions. Gernot Wolfgang joins us to introduce his “Impressions,” which are suggestive of imaginary paintings, “Carnival of Venice,” “Dream,” and “Country Road.” Wolfgang, a Grammy-nominated composer, also uses the same instrumentation – clarinet, bassoon, horn, violins, viola, cello, and bass – as the Beethoven Septet in his energetic, novel, and delightful addition to this illustrious repertoire.
Impressions (2002) – Gernot Wolfgang
Octet in F Major, D. 803 – Franz Schubert
August 28, 7:00pm, Björklunden, 7590 Boynton Ln., Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
August 29, 7:00pm, MUSE, 330 Jefferson St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
August 30, 3:00pm, The Clearing Folk School Schoolhouse, 12103 Garrett Bay Rd., Ellison Bay, WI 54210
August 31, 4:00pm, Kress Pavilion 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor, WI 54209
Coffee Talks
Coffee Talks are free, informal presentations on music themes by ensemble members, staff, and friends.
The Physics of Music—Without the Equations, with Dr. Elmer Lewis
August 30, 1:00pm, The Clearing Folk School – Schoolhouse, 12103 Garret Bay Rd., Ellison Bay, WI 54210