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Zhu Zaiyu

Type Figure Region China Time 1536–1611 Also known as Zhu Zaiyu, Prince of Zheng、Sigung、Sage of Pitch-Pipes

Zhu Zaiyu (1536–1611) was the heir apparent of the Zheng princely house under the Ming dynasty, later styling himself Sigung.…

Timeline

  1. 1551–1560Huaiqing Prefecture (Zheng princely house) · Huaiqing PrefectureDuring this period, from age fifteen to twenty-four, Zhu Zaiyu devoted himself in the Zheng princely residence to studying the classics of pitch-pipe theory, mathematics, and astronomy, laying the theoretical and computational foundations for his later creation of the twelve-tone equal temperament.
  2. 1580–1611Huaiqing Prefecture · Huaiqing PrefectureIn 1584 he completed the theory of the twelve-tone equal temperament and wrote New Exposition of Pitch-Pipe Studies, Integration of Pitch-Pipes, and other works, systematically expounding the 'new method of the dense ratio'—a milestone in music theory and the history of science. In his later years he styled himself Sigung and devoted himself to writing.

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