Timbral hierarchies

Using generative music theory and related work in music psychology, this paper proposes that timbre can be organized hierarchically. Notions of timbral consonance and dissonance are developed along a number of timbral parameters. The argument proceeds through timbral prototypes, intervals, and scales, to the construction of multidimensional timbral arrays. Examples employing IRCAM's CHANT sound‐synthesis program are discussed. The paper closes with a review of various compositional and psychological implications.