Yes. If a sound sample can be measured one can objectively measure any and  
all differences between them.
 
-William
 
 
In a message dated 10/16/2009 1:32:55 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
[email protected] writes:

>For  example, we can easily objectively say if something is out of 
>tune by  measuring it.

Is this really true?  It has long seemed to me that  being in tune with 
other instruments is not an absolute, but depends on the  overtones of the 
notes played, and the relative strengths of those overtones  (i.e., on the tone 
qualities).  For example, two horns may play two notes  a fifth apart so 
that the fundamental frequencies are in exactly a 3:2 ratio,  but the pitches 
of some of the overtones on the two instruments may differ  very slightly, so 
the notes are in tune and yet slightly out of tune at the  same time.  That 
may be why sections using the same make of horn, or at  least similar bell 
throat sizes, can sometimes blend more easily than mixed  sections.

I admit I have no scientific (objective) basis for the above  -- that is, I 
haven't made any measurements.  I would like to hear from  others who agree 
or disagree, and in particular from acousticians who may have  made such 
measurements.

Chris  Earnest
_______________________________________________
post:  [email protected]
unsubscribe or set options at  
https://pegasus.memphis.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/options/horn/valkhorn%40aol.com


_______________________________________________
post: [email protected]
unsubscribe or set options at 
https://pegasus.memphis.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org

Reply via email to