Exploring ways to describe the tonal qualities of violins and other instruments

 

Abstract violin painting with vibrant colours

 

Converting Sounds to Words

Attempting to describe tone or timbre with mere words is tricky for even the best musicians. Even more difficult with non-players who don't know the instrument or the lingo.

Case in point. My filmscoring teacher in music college spoke of the time he was writing a theme for a CBC Television program. The show's producer had been asking for small corrections to the score, finally requesting the music be more "snakey."

"What the heck is snakey," my teacher asked, totally perplexed. "You know," said the producer slowly and louder, "sna-a-a-a-key," as if this would help.

 

The List

My list won't eliminate stupid situations from your musical life, but I hope it will help you better describe the tone you produce, seek or even wish to avoid in an instrument when discussing it with my shop!

 

Flat (or sharp, not to be confused with pitch)

Dark (or Bright)

Rounded

Even (or Uneven)

Fat (or Thin)

Sparkling

Ringing/Bell-like

Crystalline

Bell-like

Warm

Pure

Throaty

Smooth (or Rough)

Breathy

Nasal

Reedy

Colourful

Clear

Harsh

Resonant

Mellow

Piercing

Focussed (or Unfocussed)

Heavy (or Light)

Grating or Gritty

Brassy

Deep

Velvety

Dry (or Splashy)

Strident

Full (or Hollow)

Sonorous

Boomy

Soft (or Hard)

Haunting

Ethereal

Crisp

Complex

Silvery

Earthy

Solid

Rich

Twangy

Chocolatey

Fuzzy

 

With this handy (but not entirely complete) list at your disposal you will be able to order a viola faster than a coffee at your neighbourhood Starbucks.

"I'll have a Grande 15-inch viola with pure tone, some dark on the low end and a sprinkle of sparkle on the top. No whipped cream, thanks, I don't want a fat bottom-end."

 

snake charmers and a snake

Mystery Solved!

Finally, I think I understand what the producer was looking for with "snakey." I think he desired a middle eastern mode such as harmonic or Hungarian minor. Something worthy of a scene featuring snake charming or flying carpets. Think Lawrence of Arabia, or Aladdin if you're under the age of 50. 

Twenty years playing the violin and I know what snakey means. That was gobs of money and years of practicing well spent...

 

Links you may find interesting

A scientific study at MIT Media Lab- "Words that Describe Timbre: A Study of Auditory Perception Through Language"

Extended Essay by a University of Maryland Phystics Student- Assessment of Violin Timbre: Examination of the Fourier Spectra and Resonance Curves of Medium- and Low- Quality Instruments