Timbre and Instrumentation Flashcards

Which acoustic property most directly determines the perceived pitch of a sound?

Answer: Fundamental frequency

Fundamental frequency is the lowest frequency component of a sound and is the primary determinant of perceived pitch.

When transcribing a recording, you hear a sustained note with a slow, regular pitch oscillation. What should you notate?

Answer: Vibrato

Vibrato is a periodic fluctuation in pitch, and is notated with 'vib.' or a wavy line above the note.

Which instrument produces its sound by air passing over a sharp edge (edge-tone mechanism)?

Answer: Flute

The flute uses an edge-tone mechanism where the player directs air across the embouchure hole, unlike reeds used in clarinet, oboe, and saxophone.

When transcribing a harpsichord piece for piano, the transcriber must account for which key timbral difference?

Answer: Harpsichord volume cannot be controlled by key velocity

Harpsichord strings are plucked mechanically regardless of key pressure, so dynamic nuance from key velocity is not possible as it is on the piano.

In a woodwind quintet transcription, which instrument is NOT part of the standard ensemble?

Answer: Saxophone

The standard woodwind quintet consists of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn—saxophone is not included.

A transcriber wants to notate the effect of bowing a string instrument behind the bridge. What timbre should they expect?

Answer: Scratchy, high-pitched noise

Bowing behind the bridge (sul ponticello extreme) produces a scratchy, high-pitched, and somewhat unpitched noise effect.

When transcribing an organ piece for piano, which characteristic of the organ CANNOT be replicated on piano?

Answer: Ability to sustain notes indefinitely

The organ can sustain notes for as long as a key is held, while the piano's sound decays after the key is struck.