The Characteristics of Sound

Measurable Characteristics are:

Duration (length and periodicity), Pitch (highness and lowness), Amplitude (loudness and softness), and Timbre or Harmonic Profile (tone quality or tone color).

Duration of sound means length of sound in time. Duration of sound also deals with sound periodicity. Length of sound is self defining; however, periodicity is the aspect of duration wherein sound occurs in repeated patterns of lengths. Periodicity is the most useful aspect of duration because it gives beat and rhythm to music. A steady, periodic pattern gives beat or pulse (beat and pulse are interchangeable words) to music while repeated patterns of varying periodic lengths gives rhythm to music.

Much music contains a steady pulse or beat. This pulse or beat occurs as a steady, reoccurring pattern of sound (for example, a heartbeat). "Beat" in music is very appealing because of its energizing quality - it provides a sense of inner security within the body while at the same time it inspires movement and dance.

If a steady beat is played with an accent (a longer and/or louder note) superimposed over the beat every second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth beat the musical effect that is produced is called meter

Pitch highness and lowness is relative. Many humans are capable of hearing pitches that range from 20 Hz. to 20,000 Hz. Human hearing acuity deteriorates with age.

A series of different pitches with one following the other in time creates the basic musical element of melody. Producing different pitches all of which occur at the same time creates the basic musical element of harmony

Amplitude is the physical measurement of levels of loudness and softness in sound, and, in music, the psychological term used to describe gradations of amplitude is dynamics. Loud sounds are generally associated with vigor, turmoil and conflict, while soft sounds are associated generally with repose, tranquillity and calmness. Various degrees of loudness, can sometimes cause a particular passage of music to have the foregoing characteristics. Amplitude also has a periodicity aspect about it in that music may have patterns of dynamic intensity as well as patterns of pitch length.

Timbre (Harmonic Profile) is the quality of a sound or sonic event. A few questions may lead to a more practical understanding of harmonic profile or timbre. Is it possible to determine the identity of a friend in a dark room by the "quality" of their voice? Is it possible to know who says "Hello" on the telephone before they identify themselves? Is it possible to identify the sound of a neighborÌs automobile as it approaches? Is it possible to hear the difference between the singing voices of Michael Jackson and Prince? Is it possible to hear the difference between a flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet or saxophone if they play the same note with one instrument following the other in time? Is it possible to hear the difference between an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar? If the answer to any of the preceding questions is "yes," it is probable that humans have a natural sensitivity to timbre.






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