Why Worry About the State of Timbre Theory?



  • recognized importance in the study of popular musics

    • semiotics of vocal quality in pop music

  • importance in the study of non-Western musics

  • pertinent to analysis of electro-acoustic music

  • musicians work hard on achieving particular timbres
    (implying that it is important)

  • no good understanding of orchestration, blend, contrast

  • tone color often involved in defining and differentiating various genres, styles, treatments, and gestures

  • timbral norms & preferences characterize different cultures & subcultures