Stephen McAdams, a leading expert in the role of timbre in music, discusses the importance of different instruments creating varying timbres in Western music, using Wagner’s Parsifal as an example. Timbre, often underrated and ignored, is difficult to define but plays a crucial role in distinguishing musical instruments. Timbre can convey different emotions depending on the instrument, and even individual musicians and how they play. The twentieth century saw a significant exploration of timbre in music. Timbre is essential in popular music genres like rock, folk, and electronic dance music, with vocal timbres revealing cultural and economic backgrounds. Despite its significance, timbre is often overlooked in music theory discussions.
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