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Convention Paper

String Ensemble Vibrato: A Spectroscopic Study

Authors: Mattheij, Stijn

AES Convention 128 · Paper 8016 · May 2010

Abstract

A systematic observation of the presence of ensemble vibrato on early twentieth century recordings of orchestral works has been carried out, by studying spectral line shapes of individual musical notes. Broadening of line shapes was detected in recordings of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Brahms’ Hungarian Dance no. 5; this effect was attributed to ensemble vibrato. From these observations it may be concluded that string ensemble vibrato was common practice in orchestras from the continent throughout the twentieth century. British orchestras do not use much vibrato before 1940.

Details

Published in
AES Convention 128
AES Convention
128
Paper number
8016
Publication date
May 6, 2010
Session subject
Music Analysis and Processing
Affiliation
AVANS University, Breda, The Netherlands (See document for exact affiliation information.)
Type
Convention Paper