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Published on 6 May 2025
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Huang,E. (2025). Investigating the Acoustic Characteristics that Differentiate Naturally Produced Violin Vibrato Tones from Sustained Tones. Theoretical and Natural Science,108,43-47.
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Investigating the Acoustic Characteristics that Differentiate Naturally Produced Violin Vibrato Tones from Sustained Tones

Eleanor Huang *,1,
  • 1 Semiahmoo Secondary School, 1785 Surrey, Canada

* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-8818/2025.22662

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand patterns by observing the acoustic characteristics of naturally produced violin vibrato through direct measurement, comparative analysis with sustained tones, and theoretical modeling. Unlike sustained tones, vibrato introduces periodic oscillations in pitch, amplitude, and harmonic content and combines them to create the timbre of the violin. A detailed analysis of bowed vibrato is conducted to explore potential relationships between vibrato and modulation of pitch, amplitude variation, and timbre shifts. Mathematical models are also used to capture these vibrato effects in the form of equations. In essence, the findings confirm the indispensable role of vibrato in forming the tonal complexity of violin sound, with info useful for improved vibrato synthesis, room acoustic optimization, and violin music education.

Keywords

Violin Vibrato, Acoustic Analysis, Amplitude Modulation, Frequency Modulation

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[3]. Woodhouse, Jim. "Violin Acoustics: Bowing and Articulation." School of Physics, University of New South Wales, https://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/violinarticulation.html#tremolo

[4]. Fletcher, N. H. "Excitation Mechanisms in Woodwind and Brass Instruments." Acta Acustica United with Acustica, vol. 43, no. 1, 1 Aug. 1979, pp. 63-72. European Acoustics Association

[5]. Guettler, Knut. "A Closer Look at the String Player's Bowing Gestures." CASJ, Series II, vol. A, no. 7, May 2003. Norwegian Academy of Music

Cite this article

Huang,E. (2025). Investigating the Acoustic Characteristics that Differentiate Naturally Produced Violin Vibrato Tones from Sustained Tones. Theoretical and Natural Science,108,43-47.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

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About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Computing Innovation and Applied Physics

Conference website: https://2025.confciap.org/
ISBN:978-1-80590-089-4(Print) / 978-1-80590-090-0(Online)
Conference date: 17 January 2025
Editor:Ömer Burak İSTANBULLU, Marwan Omar, Anil Fernando
Series: Theoretical and Natural Science
Volume number: Vol.108
ISSN:2753-8818(Print) / 2753-8826(Online)

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