Computer Music (Musc 216)
3-D SPECTRUM of a note played on a RECORDER

Listen to the sound: RECORDER

Here is the SPECTRUM of the note A6 (880 Hz) played on a recorder sounding for approx. 1 second.. The HORIZONTAL represents FREQUENCY. The VERTICAL represents AMPLITUDE. Note:

- the FUNDAMENTAL is the loudest harmonic.

- the individual harmonics follow the natural HARMONIC SERIES.

- the amplitudes of the individual harmonics vary independently.

- the overall amplitudes are the result of the performer's breath control over time

Snapshot of one SAMPLE of the SPECTRUM of a note played on a RECORDER

Listen to the sound: RECORDER

Here is the SPECTRUM of one SAMPLE of the note A6 (880 Hz) played on a recorder. The HORIZONTAL represents FREQUENCY. The VERTICAL represents AMPLITUDE. Note:

- the FUNDAMENTAL is the loudest harmonic

- the individual harmonics follow the natural HARMONIC SERIES.

- the amplitudes of the individual harmonics vary independently.

- the 4th harmonic is absent (3520 Hz) -- this is partly responsible for the recorder's unique timbre.

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