Sound synthesis applications using a physical model of a single-reed woodwind instrument

Physical modeling can be used to analyze and predict the vibrations of a musical instrument. This also enables to numerically synthesize sounds as if they were produced by a real instrument. Focusing on single-reed woodwind instruments, a physical model should incorporate the actions of the player in order to synthesize realistic sounds. This interaction mostly takes place at the instrument mouthpiece—toneholes opened by the player's fingers may be approximated by changing the instrument geometry. A physical model is presented that is able to take embouchure effects into account, in order to reliably simulate note transitions. Regarding physical modeling synthesis, the numerical efficiency of the underlying algorithms should also be considered. Capturing as many physical phenomena as possible may lead to models that require longer running times. Omitting less significant phenomena may lead to models suitable for real-time performance, while retaining most of the sound characteristics of the real instrument. In either case, it is of utmost importance to prove that the simulation algorithms are numerically stable. Sound examples are presented in an attempt to imitate real recordings, as well as in a live performance setting (examples available at https://iwk.mdw.ac.at/sound-synthesis/)