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Re: Difference tones

Author: Oboehotty
Date: 2006-12-28 17:36

No, actuaully difference tones are "phantom" notes produced when two notes of high frequency are played together. I have most often seen this on flutes -- two flutists play two higher pitched notes (say a high d and the other plays a high F#). While the two are playing these notes simultaneously, a third note randomly occurs. I am not sure of the intervalic relationship of the phantom note to the two actually being played, however I have heard this it is quite fascinating. I have tried it on oboe, and it does work with certain notes, but not others.

One composer actually compsed a work for two flutes, but three voices. The third voice is written in between the played lines in a "cue note" sort of way. I remember learning about the mechanics of this in music history or something at one point -- it does indeed exist and is really a fascinating sound when played correctly.

I have done it before on oboe, but dont' remember at which notes the difference tones begin to occur.

Shawn

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