why are they called “musical” sounds rather than noises? course hero

What makes a sound musical?

Musical sound, any tone with characteristics such as controlled pitch and timbre. The sounds are produced by instruments in which the periodic vibrations can be controlled by the performer. That some sounds are intrinsically musical, while others are not, is an oversimplification.

What are the characteristics of music?

From a bell ringing to a door slamming, any sound is a potential ingredient for the kinds of sound organization called music. Musical sound, any tone with characteristics such as controlled pitch and timbre. The sounds are produced by instruments in which the periodic vibrations can be controlled by the performer.

What makes a sound sound more intense?

The more intense sound is produced by a source that has larger-amplitude oscillations and has greater pressure maxima and minima. Because pressures are higher in the greater-intensity sound, it can exert larger forces on the objects it encounters.

What is sound organization called?

From a bell ringing to a door slamming, any sound is a potential ingredient for the kinds of sound organization called music. Musical sound, any tone with characteristics such as controlled pitch and timbre.

What is musical sound?

Musical sound. ... (Show more) Musical sound, any tone with characteristics such as controlled pitch and timbre. The sounds are produced by instruments in which the periodic vibrations can be controlled by the performer. That some sounds are intrinsically musical, while others are not, is an oversimplification.

How do musical tones differ from the demonstration tone?

Most musical tones differ from the demonstration tone (above) in that they consist of more than a single wave form. Any material undergoing vibratory motion imposes its own characteristic oscillations on the fundamental vibration. The reed probably would vibrate in parts as well as a whole, thus creating partial wave forms in addition to the fundamental wave form. These partials are not fortuitous. They bear harmonic relationships to the fundamental motion that are expressible as frequency ratios of 1:2, 3:4, etc. This means that the reed (or string or air column as well) is vibrating in halves and thirds and fourths as well as a whole. Another way of expressing this is that half the body is vibrating at a frequency twice as great as the whole; a third is vibrating at a frequency three times greater; etc.

What is the difference between loudness and duration?

Timbre (tone colour) is a product of the total complement of simultaneous motions enacted by any medium during its vibration. Loudness is a product of the intensity of that motion. Duration is the length of time that a tone persists. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content.

How are musical tones produced?

Musical tones of determined harmonic content can be produced by electronic vacuum tubesor transistors as well as by traditional manual instruments. Some electronic organs, for example, use single vacuum tubes whose frequency output can be varied through control of an adjustable transformer. Through ingenious mixing circuits a compoundtone consisting of any predetermined overtone content can be produced, thereby imitating the sound of any traditional instrument. Composers of electronic musichave utilized this capability to synthesize tones quite different from any available on traditional instruments, as well as tones similar to natural sounds. Electronic computersare capable of complete imitation of such sounds; the tone is broken down into its component parts, then synthesized through an auditory output circuit.

Why are tones more readily able to achieve autonomy?

Although tones too are commonly linked with their sources (violin tone, flute tone, etc.), they more readily achieve autonomy because they possess controlled pitch, loudness, timbre, and duration, attributes that make them amenable to musical organization. Instruments that yield musical sounds, or tones, are those that produce periodic vibrations.

What does it mean when a reed vibrates?

This means that the reed (or string or air column as well) is vibrating in halves and thirds and fourths as well as a whole. Another way of expressing this is that half the body is vibrating at a frequency twice as great as the whole; a third is vibrating at a frequency three times greater; etc.

What are the instruments that produce periodic vibrations?

Their periodicity is their controllable (i.e., musical) basis. The strings of the violin, the lips of the trumpet player, the reed of a saxophone, and the wooden slabs of a xylophone are all, in their unique ways, producers of periodic vibrations.

What chapter is Musical Sound?

Start studying Chapter 21: Musical Sound. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.

How loud is 125 Hz?

loud to most people as a 125-Hz sound at 80 decibels.

What is the reference intensity called?

reference intensity called 0 bel (a unit named after

Why was film music composed?

Film music was being composed to be able to be sold as its own product. The film score consisted of a compilation of recordings that could be cross marketed. (thanks to the emergence of MTV)

Why were movies released in mono and stereo in the 50s?

Films still released in both mono and stereo in the 50s because not enough people switched to stereo. Because of this stereo became associated with background sound. Shift from audience of distraction to audience of participation, narrative clarity is no longer a primary value

What was the subwoofer used for in the 1970s?

massive subwoofer used to create low, seat shaking low frequency sounds. 1970's. Earthquake (1974), required special speakers and was too loud to use in Multiplexes with other movies going.

What does snipping dialogue mean?

Snipping dialogue of any other sounds in recording, and making it clear so it will mix with other sounds.