MUS 200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Aria, Exoticism, An Alpine Symphony
Document Summary
**why do instruments sound the way they do? fundamental- the main pitch. Ex: when vln plays open string (full string vibration) overtones- faint pitch in addition to fundamental caused by fractional vibration at source of sound. Ex: vln a w/faint overtones timbre- the quality of a musical tone as determined by harmonics vibrations per second- vps. Strings are plucked; adds special colors and effects to orch. Percussion: membranophones (drums) vibration caused by strike of stick or hand. Ex: timpani, snare drum, bongo, drum set, idiophones. Ex: gong, cymbals, triangle, maracas, marimba. Historically made of wood, now solid silver/gold/platinum. **reed: double reed: blow between two pieces and they vibrate. Bocal(sp?: where double reed is put on instrument. Brass instruments: vibration of lips into mouthpiece: trumpet (soprano, horn (alto, trombone (tenor, tuba (bass) Early uses of string orchestras- 16th -17th century: originally meant to support vocal music. Often performed in unison with singers to help bring out important melodies.
