Pitch and timbre: Definition, meaning and use

Abstract

Pitch and timbre are terms frequently used in studies on sound perception. Despite the existence of formal definitions, these terms are often used ambiguously in the literature. This paper is intended as a review of the ANSI definitions and their shortcomings, of modern ways to define the concepts operationally, and of the various dependencies of pitch and timbre on physical attributes of sound. Finally, their independent functioning in speech, their mutually dependent functioning in music, and their mediating role in object recognition will be discussed.