Masking Effects in Practical Instrumentation and Orchestration

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Abstract
Chords produced by 5 instruments were studied to determine the role of masking in their musical effects. "The procedure consisted of an investigation of the complex tone produced by each instrument independently to determine the influence of inner relationships between partials upon auditory sensation. Then the results for each instrument were combined to ascertain the cumulative effects when all 5 instruments sounded together under conditions of various degrees of dynamics and arrangement of tones of the chord." "The results obviously show that chords do not necessarily sound as they are written. In many instances instruments might well be omitted entirely. In many cases the notes of the chord must be reassigned to different instruments in order to secure a good balance.".

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