Chapter Summary

Timbre is the characteristic quality of the sound of a voice or instrument. High, medium, and low male and female singing voices each have a characteristic timbre. Musical instruments are also distinguished by timbre as well as by their range of pitches.

The orchestral timbre is dominated by the proportionately large number of string instruments, with woodwinds, brass, percussion, and sometimes keyboard instruments adding their characteristic colors to the sound. The distinctive timbres of various electronic instruments, including the versatile synthesizer, are of increasing interest to contemporary composers and listeners alike.