Timbre composition
Encyclopedia
Timbre composition is the art of creating new timbres. It is often performed electronically, either by combining sinewaves (additive synthesis
) or by filtering out harmonics from more complex waves (subtractive synthesis
).
Timbre composition is also significant for players of the electric guitar
. The guitarist's relative proximity to his or her amplifier alters the sound produced. The sound can be modified further via equalizers
, filters
, and various effects pedals.
Timbre composition with acoustic instruments is usually very subtle. Minute altercations in performance change the sound produced by the instrument. Percussionists use specific sticks and mallets to yield desired timbres. Players of wind instruments alter the tone simply by changing the pressure of their lips. One could argue that the act of choosing which instrument to play or write for is in itself timbre composition.
Timbre composition is used in vocal techniques such as throat-singing
where the main focus of the music is timbre as opposed to pitch.
Music that has been composed solely using the art of Timbre composition is called Timbre-centered music.
Timbral Listening
is a technique used in both the composition and reception of Timbre-centered music which has been created using Timbre composition.
Additive synthesis
Additive synthesis is a technique of sound synthesis that creates musical timbre by explicitly adding sinusoidal overtones together.The timbre of an instrument is composed of multiple harmonic or inharmonic partials , of different frequencies and amplitudes, that change over time...
) or by filtering out harmonics from more complex waves (subtractive synthesis
Subtractive synthesis
Subtractive synthesis is a method of sound synthesis in which partials of an audio signal are attenuated by a filter to alter the timbre of the sound...
).
Timbre composition is also significant for players of the electric guitar
Electric guitar
An electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
. The guitarist's relative proximity to his or her amplifier alters the sound produced. The sound can be modified further via equalizers
Equalization
Equalization, is the process of adjusting the balance between frequency components within an electronic signal. The most well known use of equalization is in sound recording and reproduction but there are many other applications in electronics and telecommunications. The circuit or equipment used...
, filters
Audio filter
An audio filter is a frequency dependent amplifier circuit, working in the audio frequency range, 0 Hz to beyond 20 kHz. Many types of filters exist for applications including graphic equalizers, synthesizers, sound effects, CD players and virtual reality systems.Being a frequency dependent...
, and various effects pedals.
Timbre composition with acoustic instruments is usually very subtle. Minute altercations in performance change the sound produced by the instrument. Percussionists use specific sticks and mallets to yield desired timbres. Players of wind instruments alter the tone simply by changing the pressure of their lips. One could argue that the act of choosing which instrument to play or write for is in itself timbre composition.
Timbre composition is used in vocal techniques such as throat-singing
Overtone singing
Overtone singing, also known as overtone chanting, or harmonic singing, is a type of singing in which the singer manipulates the resonances created as air travels from the lungs, past the vocal folds, and out the lips to produce a melody.The partials of a sound wave made by the human voice can be...
where the main focus of the music is timbre as opposed to pitch.
Music that has been composed solely using the art of Timbre composition is called Timbre-centered music.
Timbral Listening
Timbral Listening
Timbral listening is the process of actively listening to the timbral characteristics of sound.-Concept:Timbral listening is used as an alternative to the standard western way of listening to, and interpreting music. Instead of perceiving pitch and harmony, the ear focuses on texture and colour of...
is a technique used in both the composition and reception of Timbre-centered music which has been created using Timbre composition.