Harmonic and unharmonic components of violin tones in dependence on playing techniques

Abstract

Properties of harmonic and unharmonic spectral components of violin tones played nonvibrato using different bowing techniques (naturale, sul ponticello, sul tasto) and dynamics of playing (p, mf, f) were studied by means of suitable analytical methods. The tones from the whole violin range were recorded in an anechoic room. The shape of the spectral envelope, harmonicity, and amplitude relations among harmonic components were observed. Unharmonic components were investigated in three frequency bands separated by fundamental frequency of the tone and by the frequency of the highest ‘‘well pronounced’’ harmonic. Specific analytical tools and describing quantities were used in each part of the spectrum. The dependence of the spectrum on playing techniques, dynamics, and tone pitch was discussed.