Material Influence on the Sound of Brasses

Abstract

Currently the question how the wall material does have influence on acoustical systems containing resonant air columns has become one of the major hot topics in acoustics. Basic research done at different places is giving strong evidence that such an influence does exist. This research is driven by musical acousticians as wind instruments are without any doubt the acoustical systems which are concerned most. A better understanding of the factors related to sound quality and playability of brass wind instruments is one of the goals of the proposed project. The focus will be set on a combination of material science and acoustics with the aim of characterizing different modern and historic brass materials with respect to acoustically relevant properties. Another goal is to acquire the knowledge necessary to remanufacture brass wind instruments which resemble the sound and other qualities of historical instruments from the Renaissance period as close as possible. Only few of those instruments have survived and most of them can no longer be played for conservation reasons. A revival of early music can be observed not only in Austria which creates a strong demand for such instruments to play the rediscovered music the most authentic way. The proposed research project includes the study of material influences on the vibrational behavior of instruments and the attempt to identify and quantify the acoustically most relevant mechanical parameters. In a next step, the effect of different vibration modes and deflection shapes on the quality of the radiated sound, on the intonation and on the playability will be studied. Another part of the work will consist of archival research upon the manuscripts that contain additional information on historical brass making techniques and used materials and of acoustical analysis of surviving historical instruments in order to define sound quality targets for remanufacturing them. A full documentation of the acoustical, metallurgical and geometrical properties of the surviving 16th century trombones will be made.

Supported by