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Whistling in the clavichord
Jean-Théo Jiolat1, Jean-Loic Le Carrou1, Christophe d'Alessandro1
1Institut Jean Le Rond d'Alembert, Équipe Lutheries-Acoustique-Musique, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, F-75005 Paris, France.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|February 2, 2023
Summary
Clavichord whistling tones arise from sympathetic string resonance. This phenomenon is favored by frequency coincidence between strings and increased bridge mobility, enhancing the instrument's unique sound.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Musical Instrument Physics
- Vibrational Mechanics
Background:
- Sympathetic string vibration significantly influences the clavichord's sound quality and tonal character.
- This vibration originates from undamped string segments between the bridge and tuning pins.
- A distinct whistling tone can emerge from the reverberation under specific conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of the whistling tone in clavichords.
- To explore the role of sympathetic string resonance in producing this phenomenon.
- To analyze the influence of bridge mobility and tuning on sympathetic string behavior.
Main Methods:
- Vibratory measurements were performed on a historical clavichord replica.
- Three pairs of excited and sympathetic strings were analyzed.
- Numerical simulations using the modal Udwadia-Kalaba formulation were conducted on a reduced clavichord model.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in vibratory amplitude and damping was observed as tuning approached frequency coincidence.
- Frequency veering was noted in the string segments under specific tuning conditions.
- Experimental and simulation results confirmed that whistling is caused by string resonance, favored by frequency coincidence and higher bridge mobility.
Conclusions:
- The whistling tone in clavichords is a result of sympathetic string resonance.
- Frequency coincidence between excited and sympathetic strings, along with increased bridge mobility, promotes this whistling effect.
- The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the acoustic mechanisms behind the clavichord's distinctive sound.
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