Timbre Flashcards
(33 cards)
Color
Word used to describe timbre
Soprano
High voice
Mezzo soprano
Some high, some low
Alto
Low voice
Contralto (unusual)
Female with very low range
Coloratura Soprano (unusual)
Very high soprano range
Tenor
High voice (male)
Baritone
Some high, some low (male)
Bass
Lowest voice (male)
Counter Tenor (unusual)
Male voice with natural soprano capabilities
Falsetto (unusual)
“Fake voice” manipulation of vocal chords
Why are string instruments in this category?
Actively play the strings
Four most common string instruments
Violin (soprano)
Viola (alto)
Cello (tenor)
String bass (bass)
Pizzicato
To pluck or strum strings on a string instrument that is usually played with a bow
Harp
Strings are equivalent to the white keys on a piano. Foot pedals play sharps and flats
Strings not found in an orchestra
Guitar, banjo
Why are woodwind instruments in this category?
To create sound, air has to be blown through the instruments. Sound waves are produced by vibrating air against a reed or by air stream being bent.
No reed
Flute and piccolo
Single reed
Saxophones and clarinets
Double reeds
Oboe, English horn, bassoon
Bass instruments
Sound waves are created by vibrating the lips in a bell shaped mouthpiece
Instruments that are bass instruments
Trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba
What classifies percussion instruments?
Sound is produced with the hands by striking, shaking, hitting, etc.
Definite pitch
Specific pitch can be found from sound waves
