Which term defines tones that result from multiples of the basic tone and are the primary determinant of timbre?

• A. Overtones
• B. Anticipation Tone
• C. Cambiata
• D. Appoggiatura

Answer: (A)

Timbre is the color of a sound, determined by its spectrum. When a note vibrates, it produces a fundamental frequency plus a series of higher frequencies that are integer multiples of that fundamental. These higher frequencies are called overtones, or harmonics. The specific mix and relative strengths of these overtones give each instrument its characteristic tone color, even when playing the same pitch. The other terms are melodic devices rather than aspects that define sound color: anticipation tones and appoggiaturas relate to how melodies move and resolve, and cambiata is a melodic figure. Therefore, the term that defines tones from multiples of the basic tone and mainly determines timbre is overtones.