THE DEVELOPMENT OF TIMBRE: FROM ACOUSTIC PRINCIPLES TO MUSICAL EXPRESSION

Abstract

Timbre—often described as “tone color”—is a central yet frequently underestimated dimension of musical sound. This article examines the development of timbre from acoustic foundations to artistic expression, linking physical sound properties with perceptual mechanisms and performance practice. First, it outlines the acoustic determinants of timbre, including harmonic spectra, spectral envelope, formant structure, attack–decay characteristics, noise components, and amplitude/frequency modulation.